JACKSON, Tenn. — Jan. 18, 2005 — 51社区鈥檚 School of Nursing has welcomed a new face this year with the arrival of dean Timothy Smith.
Smith comes to Union from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where he was an assistant professor and director of the university鈥檚 nurse anesthetist program. Union will launch its own Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program in 2006.
鈥淲e are extremely pleased with the appointment of Dr. Tim Smith as dean of the School of Nursing at 51社区,鈥� said Union president David Dockery. 鈥淒r. Smith brings unique experience and impeccable academic credentials to this strategic role at this particular time. We are especially grateful for his background with the new CRNA program. The respect and stature that is his within the health care community across this state will be a boost to what is already an outstanding nursing program.鈥�
Smith is the only individual in the state of Tennessee who holds both a doctor of philosophy degree in nursing and a CRNA degree, and who has experience in leading CRNA programs. He received his registered nurse diploma from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis in 1987. He holds a bachelor of science in nursing degree from the University of Memphis, a diploma in nurse anesthesia from the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville and a master of science in nursing and doctorate in nursing from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Smith said he is optimistic about the future with the strong community support for the new CRNA program and the strong candidates for faculty that wish to come to Union.
鈥淚 think the undergraduate program is very solid for those wishing to become traditional nurses and for second degree nurses,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淥ur main objective at this point is the nurse anesthetist program in spring of 2006. Then we can look at other options for nursing programs.鈥�
Originally from Memphis, Smith is joined in Jackson by his wife Penney, who is also a nurse, and children Ashley, 12, and Blake, 9, who are enrolled at the University School of Jackson.