Idaho State University names Anita Smith as dean of School of Nursing

Smith will lead the School of Nursing following Interim Dean Nancy Renn, and will oversee programs at both the Pocatello and Meridian campuses.

“We are very excited about the incredible experiences and leadership that Dr. Smith brings to ISU,” said Rex Force, ISU vice president of health sciences. “I would also like to commend Interim Dean Dr. Nancy Renn, and the entire School of Nursing, for their commitment and hard work during these transitions.”

Smith received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Washington and subsequently received her doctorate from the University of San Diego. She is currently with the Bureau of Navy Medicine at the Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, serving with the rank of Captain.

She has previously held academic appointments at the University of South Alabama and Point Loma Nazarene University. She has also held leadership positions with the Veterans Administration. Her diverse nursing background includes several deployments to active military action to Iraq and Afghanistan and maternal/child, trauma, school and post-operative nursing.

"I am thrilled to join the ISU School of Nursing,” Smith said. “It will be an honor to serve with the faculty and staff who support learning and discovery, access to opportunities in nursing, and most importantly, prepare future nurse leaders who will bring compassionate and innovative care to rural settings."

“Dr. Smith brings a wealth of nursing experience to the dean position at ISU. She has a keen desire to live and work in the western part of the U.S., and ISU is fortunate to have someone with her experience and commitment to nursing and nursing education,” said Nancy Renn, interim dean of the School of Nursing.

Smith will start at ISU in late August.