FAMU recently announced the appointment of Shannon B. Smith, DNP, Ph.D., as the new dean of the School of Nursing. Dr. Smith brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in nursing education to her new role.
Prior to joining FAMU, Dr. Smith served as the chair of the Department of Nursing at Claflin University since 2016. During her tenure, she spearheaded significant advancements for the department, including achieving full accreditation in 2018 and the successful launch of a master’s degree program in nursing in 2021. Her leadership was further recognized in 2022 when the program received the prestigious American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Nursing Education Lectureship Award.
Dr. Smith's vision for the future of nursing education is to graduate professional nurses who are well-equipped to serve diverse patient populations. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in the consistently high retention and graduation rates above 90 percent, as well as her innovative approach to developing new programs and curricula.
Dr. Smith holds a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) in organizational leadership and a doctorate in nursing science (Ph.D.) from the University of South Carolina. She also received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina.
In her new role at FAMU, Dr. Smith aims to build on the school's strengths and further enhance its reputation for producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses. She is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to address the challenges facing the nursing profession and to prepare students for the evolving healthcare landscape.
Dr. Smith officially assumed her duties as dean on July 1st.