The University of Wyoming has selected a new nursing school dean, the university announced Friday.
Sherrill Smith from Wright State University will lead the the Fay. W Whitney School of Nursing in the College of Health Sciences on Aug. 1 when current Dean Mary Burman steps down. Burman has held the position since 2007.
Smith has an academic and military background and plans on bringing strong leadership to the school, the announcement said. She plans on strengthening the school’s preparation of nursing students to take on leadership roles, the announcement said.
“I have built my leadership skills through positions in practice and academia, and I have shared those experiences in teaching leadership courses to both undergraduate and graduate students,” Smith said in the announcement.
Smith’s goals for the school include facilitating the “development of inter-professional teams to support faculty in pursuit of whatever type of scholarship they choose to advance the discipline of nursing.”
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Smith, an associate member of the Society of Simulation in Healthcare, recognizes the importance of simulation — the use of robotic patients to interact with nursing students, the announcement said.
“With this background, I can provide guidance in best practices for use of simulation and technology, as well as provide guidance in avenues for scholarly trajectory assistance for faculty interested in pursuing scholarship in the area of teaching and learning,” Smith said.
David Jones, the College of Health Sciences interim dean, is appreciative of Smith’s experience. He said in the announcement that Smith brings a “wealth of experience to the School of Nursing” and will “play a key role in the college’s efforts to address issues related to health care in the state and region.”
Smith is excited to join the School of Nursing and its “history of excellence.”
“As the new dean, I am excited to be part of continuing this tradition of excellence by working with our partners across the state to meet the nursing workforce needs of Wyoming,” Smith said.