Dr. Whitney Smith Appointed Interim Assistant Dean for Graduate Practice Programs

The MUSC College of Nursing is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Whitney Smith, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, GNP, as Interim Assistant Dean for Graduate Practice Programs. A dedicated educator, advanced practice nurse and community health advocate, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to her new leadership role.

Dr. Smith is a three-time alumna of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from MUSC, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of South Florida. She is nationally certified as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and currently serves as the Adult Nurse Practitioner representative for the South Carolina Board of Nursing Advanced Practice Committee.

With clinical expertise spanning geriatric medicine, primary care, women’s health and telehealth, Dr. Smith has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving access to care in the Lowcountry. She has served as the primary nurse practitioner on two community grants, providing care at a free clinic for the uninsured in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Her interests include chronic illness management, age-related illnesses and wellness promotion. Dr. Smith is currently the principal investigator on a grant that develops geriatric-focused virtual reality and clinical education to enhance nurse practitioner students’ skills and comfort with older adults, and to encourage careers in geriatrics, especially in rural and underserved areas.

In her new role, Dr. Smith will oversee the academic, clinical and operational components of the College’s graduate practice programs, while continuing to support the professional development of students and faculty.

“Dr. Smith is an outstanding clinician and educator who leads with integrity, compassion and purpose,” said Dean Catherine Durham. “Her commitment to practice excellence, community health, and student success makes her an ideal fit to guide our graduate practice programs moving forward.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Whitney Smith on this well-deserved appointment. Her leadership will play an important role in shaping the next generation of nurse practitioners and advancing the College of Nursing’s mission to transform health care through education, practice and research.