Meet the new faculty in the Henry P. Becton College of Nursing and Allied Health
Time to meet several of the new faculty members in the Henry P. Becton College of Nursing and Allied Health!
FDU: What do you want students to take away from your classes?
Omotara Adewale: I want my students to leave my classes with not only a strong foundation in clinical knowledge, but also the confidence to apply that knowledge in a patient-centered and compassionate way. My goal is to prepare them to think critically, to advocate for patients, and to embrace innovation in healthcare while maintaining empathy and cultural humility in every encounter.
FDU: What is your favorite childhood memory?
OA: One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my grandmother, who was a nurse. I would sit with her in the kitchen as she prepared traditional meals and shared stories about her experiences in caring for others. Those moments shaped my appreciation for community, wellness, and service, and they deeply influenced my decision to pursue nursing as both a profession and a calling.
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
OA: I was drawn to FDU because of its strong commitment to academic excellence and its supportive environment for both students and faculty. The opportunity to direct the Family Nurse Practitioner track allows me to combine my passion for clinical practice, teaching, and program development. I’m excited to contribute to shaping the next generation of nurse practitioners who will make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
FDU: What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Danielle Henricksen: The best advice I ever received is —“parenthood is the easiest job in the world— if you’re doing it wrong!” Although it’s about being a parent, I feel this advice is relevant to me as I start my new role as lecturer of nursing — I know that the difficulties and challenges we may face as educators are because we truly care and are dedicated to the success of our students as they prepare to enter the world of nursing.
FDU: What do you consider to be the highlight of your last year?
DH: On a personal level, the highlight of my last year was the birth of my son in October 2024. Becoming a mom is a wonderful thing and watching him grow so much over the past year has been such a blessing and joy! Professionally, starting this new job has also been a true highlight. Education has been a passion of mine for a while and to finally start a career in it has been an extremely rewarding and fulfilling experience. Being able to have a hand in helping students in their journey to becoming a nurse is something that I am very excited about and don’t take lightly.
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
DH: While receiving my master’s degree here at FDU, I got to experience firsthand just how dedicated and committed the university is to student success. The program I was enrolled in at the time was undergoing major changes, and all the staff and faculty of the nursing program worked so hard with me to ensure the completion and achievement of my degree. Once I graduated, I knew I wanted to be a part of an educational institution that truly values and prioritizes students and their success.
FDU: How do you define success?
Lekha Sreekumar: I define success as making a meaningful impact — both on my students and in the broader field of women’s health. For me, it’s not just about outcomes or achievements, but about seeing growth: in knowledge, confidence, and compassion. When my students leave my classroom equipped not only with clinical expertise but also with the ability to advocate for their patients and themselves, that’s true success.
FDU: What song or album could you listen to on repeat?
LS: I could listen to Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson — an uplifting and energizing song — over and over. It’s the kind of music that blends depth with inspiration —something I find mirrors the balance I try to bring into teaching and practice.
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
LS: I was drawn to Fairleigh Dickinson University because of its commitment to innovation in nursing education and its strong emphasis on preparing the next generation of nurse practitioners to lead in women’s health. I was excited by the opportunity to build a curriculum that is both evidence-based and deeply responsive to the evolving needs of patients. FDU’s culture of collaboration, mentorship, and academic excellence has made it the perfect place to contribute and grow.