Bergen Community College

Alumna Carol Judson (née Lee Coburn) graduated with her associate degree in nursing from Bergen Community College in May 1976. After she graduated from Bergen, she worked for many years in all specialties in the nursing field including pediatrics and assisted living.

“What I enjoyed most about Bergen Community College was knowing that in just two years I would have my degree and the security of a career with a good paycheck and benefits,” said Judson. “I was working my way through school and if I only had the option of a four-year degree, I think that would have seemed unattainable to me at the time.”

Judson is currently self-employed as a nurse coach, which affords her the ability to maintain her work-life balance along with independence and travel. Judson’s husband is a locum tenens doctor, which allows him to travel while working as well. The two own a company where she serves as Vice President.

“As a nurse, I know that no matter where I am, there will always be a need for my skills and knowledge,” she said.

“I am blessed to have an amazing career that allows me to provide for my family and help others at the same time,” said Judson. “I am a ‘forever learner’ which I think is important as a nurse since we are always learning new methods and adapting to advances in technology.”

“I appreciated that Bergen was supportive of working students,” she said. “I also found pride in the fact that I took the same state boards as those who had attended three and four-year programs, and I passed the first time due to the great education I received.”

When thinking about her time at Bergen, she recalled her nursing instructor Miss Sabel who took nursing very seriously. She said, “She drove us and challenged us to be the best we could.” Judson appreciated Miss Sabel’s approach to teaching the nursing profession. When reflecting on her time in Miss Sabel’s class, Judson said, “I will never forget how I got a 78 on my first exam and I was in tears.” Miss Sabel said, “You don’t need to have an A to be an excellent nurse.” Judson said, “That meant so much to me and allowed me to press on to achieve my dreams.”

Judson served as Head Nurse of Pediatrics at Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vermont in 1980. After raising a family, she went back to school for her Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) and graduated summa cum laude from Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in 2017. Judson graduated cum laude with her Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree with a specialization in organizational leadership and change management from Colorado State University’s Global Campus in 2020.

Judson and her husband own a company and manage short term rental properties in Florida. They have four children and recently became grandparents.

She said, “The most important advice I can give to students is to never give up! Work really hard, roll up your sleeves, and go the extra mile, always.”

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

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