Shannon B. Smith, PhD, DNP, MSN, RN, FAAN
Nurse Leader, Scholar, and Educator
Biography
Dr. Shannon B. Smith, PhD, DNP, MSN, RN, FAAN, is a distinguished nurse leader, scholar, and educator whose career spans more than three decades of advancing nursing practice, academic excellence, and health equity. Born and raised in South Carolina, Dr. Smith’s journey—from the 8th of 13 children in a family rooted in faith and service, to a nationally recognized leader—embodies perseverance, purpose, and profound commitment to the profession.
She currently serves as Dean of the Florida A&M University School of Nursing, where she leads major strategic initiatives to strengthen academic quality, expand program offerings, enhance research capacity, and build sustainable clinical partnerships. Under her leadership, the school has secured significant grants, forged international collaborations, and launched efforts to improve student success, including innovations in curriculum, admissions, advising, and NCLEX preparation.
Dr. Smith’s scholarly contributions appear in leading journals such as the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, Journal of Nursing Education, and Journal of Professional Nursing. She is the developer of the UPSTREAM CVD theory, addressing cardiovascular health equity among African American emerging adults. In 2025, she was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Grounded in compassion, excellence, and service, Dr. Smith continues to mentor emerging leaders while shaping the future of nursing education, practice, and scholarship.
Recent Accomplishments (March 2025–March 2026)
Leadership at Florida A&M University
As Dean of the Florida A&M University School of Nursing, Dr. Smith provides visionary leadership focused on academic quality, student success, and institutional growth. Her work includes expanding program offerings, strengthening research infrastructure, and creating sustainable clinical partnerships that support both learners and the broader healthcare community.
Under her leadership, the school has advanced key initiatives in curriculum innovation, admissions strategy, academic advising, and NCLEX preparation, helping position the program for long-term excellence and impact.
Scholarship & Research
- Published scholarly work in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
- Published scholarly work in the Journal of Nursing Education
- Published scholarly work in the Journal of Professional Nursing
- Developer of the UPSTREAM CVD theory
- Ongoing research focused on cardiovascular health equity among African American emerging adults
- Advanced research on NCLEX performance predictors
Global & Strategic Initiatives
- Led international collaboration efforts with the University of Ghana
- Supported student global immersion experiences
- Expanded grant-funded opportunities for scholarships and faculty development
- Advanced strategic partnerships to strengthen clinical education and risk management
- Guided accreditation preparation through the ACEN Self-Study process
Mentorship & Professional Influence
Dr. Smith’s leadership is grounded not only in scholarship and administration, but also in her ongoing commitment to mentoring emerging nurse leaders. Her career reflects a deep investment in helping others grow in purpose, confidence, and professional excellence.
Through her example, she continues to inspire nurses, educators, and students to lead with courage, pursue equity, and remain steadfast in service to the communities they serve.
Spotlight Message to Nursing Leaders
“Nursing is both a calling and a commitment—to see what others overlook, to lead with courage, and to transform challenges into pathways for equity and healing. To every emerging nurse leader: walk boldly in purpose, honor the communities you serve, and remember that excellence is a daily choice.”
Areas of professional focus include:
- Nursing leadership and academic excellence
- Health equity and cardiovascular outcomes
- Research and theory development
- Student success and NCLEX preparation
- Global partnerships and strategic growth
