Shannon Bright Smith is Dean and Professor of Nursing at Florida A&M University, where she leads strategic, academic, and operational efforts to advance nursing education and address workforce needs. She oversees faculty development, student outcomes, and community-engaged scholarship while serving on key university and national committees, including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Board of Directors. Dr. Smith is nationally recognized for her leadership in launching and sustaining nursing programs, securing over $10 million in grant funding, and driving initiatives to increase access to nursing education. She served as Founding Associate Dean at Claflin University, where she established the institution’s first nursing programs. Her scholarly contributions span cardiovascular health equity, nursing education innovation, and workforce development, with publications in the Journal of Professional Nursing, the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, and the Journal of Nursing Education. A sought-after speaker, she has presented nationally on topics ranging from academic nursing leadership to culturally responsive care. Dr. Smith holds a PhD in Nursing Science and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership from the University of South Carolina, an MSN and BSN from the Medical University of South Carolina, and an Associate degree in Business (Accounting) from Trident Technical College.