The College of Nursing is proud to present the new Dean Anita Smith, PhD

Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her master’s degree from The University of Washington and earned her PhD from the University of San Diego. After Smith graduated with her Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing she joined the Navy and served both in active and reserve status over the last thirty years. Smith served on the hospital ship USNS Mercy during Desert Shield/Storm and also served in Afghanistan. Her academic experiences include working in private and state universities as a professor and in various academic leadership roles.  

Smith chose the nursing field because she always wanted to help people and thought the body was so intriguing. Her father served in the military and that helped direct her to want to serve as well. She looked into all the different branches but chose the Navy because she loves the ocean.

Through the Navy she was trained to be generalist, which means she  knows a little about a lot of the different aspects of nursing. Smith has worked in many different areas of nursing, such as maternal/child, medical surgical and perioperative nursing.. These different areas allow Smith to have an extensive understanding of the body, the different stages of life and how to best handle many types of situations.

Smith says it is an honor to be a part of such a great program and have the chance to work with so many experienced faculty. She’s excited to work in a rural nursing environment. Smith says, “ISU has many strong, established programs like the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, and ISU is the destination for all nursing degrees.”

With the School of Nursing transitioning into the College of Nursing, Smith plans to support the growth of programs and the research being done within the College of Nursing and community.  Smith says she is here to serve both the students and professors to make sure all needs are being met.

“I think she is wonderful, she has a really deep knowledge of nursing and nursing education. She has lots of experiences to draw from,” says Nancy Renn, interim dean for the College of Nursing.

Welcome Dr. Anita Smith we are excited to have you!

Written by: Lindsay Taylor, College of Nursing Career Path Intern