Smith’s leadership reflects Linfield University’s national impact in advancing nursing education
Linfield University’s Paul Smith, professor and dean of the School of Nursing, has been voted chair-elect of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Board of Governors. He becomes the first male in the organization’s history to hold the position.
Smith will serve a two-year term as chair-elect before assuming the role of chair in 2027. The NLN is the nation’s premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. It represents nearly 45,000 nurse educators and 1,100 nursing schools across the country.
“I’m deeply humbled by the trust placed in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such dedicated colleagues,” Smith said. “The NLN represents the very best of who we are as nurse educators — collaborative, caring and future-focused. I look forward to learning from and working closely with Dr. Yolanda VanRiel, chair of the NLN Board of Governors, and partnering with my fellow board members as we continue advancing the the League’s vital mission.”
Smith has been part of Linfield’s nursing program since 2007, beginning as an adjunct clinical professor. He became a full-time assistant professor in 2014. He was promoted to associate professor and associate dean in 2018 and named professor and dean in 2022. Under his leadership, Linfield has expanded its academic pathways for aspiring nurses and strengthened partnerships with hospitals and health care systems throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Smith earned an associate’s degree from Southern Union State Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. He completed a master’s degree in public health/community nursing and nursing education from Washington State University. He then went on to earn a Ph.D. in nursing education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he was also a Jonas Nurse Scholar. Smith is a certified nurse educator and maintains his RN licensure in Oregon and Washington.
No stranger to the NLN, Smith has served in a variety of leadership roles in the organization since 2013. He previously served as a commissioner on the NLN Certification Commission and as a participant in the NLN LEAD program for emerging nurse educators.
The NLN announced its 2025 election results at the organization’s Education Summit in Orlando, Florida, where Smith and other elected officers were formally installed.
“In this role, I hope to help strengthen academic–practice partnerships, expand inclusive pathways for students and invest in faculty development that supports innovative, evidence-based teaching,” Smith said.“My goal is to listen closely, collaborate widely and help create learning environments where every nursing student can belong, thrive and be ready to lead.”
For more information about Linfield University’s School of Nursing, visit linfield.edu/nursing.
