The Linfield University-Good Samaritan School of Nursing starts a new year with new leadership at the helm. Paul Smith, who has been at Linfield since 2007, has been appointed to serve as dean. Smith has served as associate dean since 2018. His research focuses on diversity, cultural competence and heath disparities seen in the LGBTQ+ community and how educators can prepare nurses to provide adequate care for and meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Prior to coming to Linfield, Smith worked at Chemeketa Community College as a nursing faculty member and program coordinator, as well an RN in Oregon and Georgia. He earned his Master of Nursing at Washington State University and doctorate in nursing education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Along with Smith in the administrative suite are associate deans Delene Volkert, who joined Linfield July 1, and Julie Fitzwater ’06, who has worked at Linfield since 2014 and previously held the director of clinical education position.
