Paul Smith, PhD, RN, CNE
Dean and Professor
Linfield University School of Nursing
Dr. Paul S. Smith is a national nursing education leader whose work centers on inclusive excellence, leadership development, and academic innovation. He serves as Chair-Elect of the National League for Nursing and is Dean and Professor at the Linfield University School of Nursing. Dr. Smith is Co-Principal Investigator on a Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation grant advancing disability inclusion in nursing education and a co-developer of Oregon’s first Master’s Entry into Professional Nursing (MEPN) program. A Certified Nurse Educator and nationally recognized scholar, he is co-editor of Family Health Care Nursing (7th and 8th editions) and author of multiple peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, including LGBTQ+ health, family nursing, and culturally responsive care. His expertise spans leadership in nursing education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)–centered curriculum transformation, simulation-based learning, and faculty development. Dr. Smith brings a systems-level, equity-driven lens to preparing the next generation of nurse leaders.