Lillian Smith, divisional dean for the School of Public and Population Health (formerly the Department of Public Health and Population Science), has recently been appointed the new dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Northern Arizona University. The College of Health and Human Services offers programs in athletic training, health sciences and public health, nursing and more in Flagstaff, Arizona and other locations across the state.
Smith joined Boise State University in 2016 after more than two decades in professional and academic public health roles. She spent the majority of her career at the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University before coming to Boise. While leading the School of Public and Population Health, Smith was responsible for the development and implementation of strategic goals and objectives.
With a talent for building public health programming, Smith brought her entrepreneurial and collaborative approach to Boise State’s College of Health Sciences. In just six years, Smith worked with faculty and staff to turn an independent department into the School of Public and Population Health.
Smith’s focus has always centered on students and applied research. In an effort to better serve Idaho, Smith has worked to improve comprehensive student success and produce graduates ready to impact their communities.
During her tenure with Boise State, Smith helped develop a successful and accessible Bachelor of Arts in Public Health online degree program for students interested in continuing and broadening their education. She oversaw further revision of the undergraduate program and the transition from a Master of Health Sciences to Master of Public Health degree.
Most recently, Smith was recognized for her visionary leadership in education at the 2022 Education 2.0 USA Conference.
“Dr. Smith has been an integral part of the School of Public and Population Health’s success and we wish her the best of luck in this new venture,” said Tim Dunnagan, dean of the College of Health Sciences.