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Dr. Sherrill Smith '85 receives UWEC alumni award

Five University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire alumni will receive awards on October 17, 2021 as a part of the university’s Homecoming festivities.

One of the awards will be given to Dr. Sherrill Smith who graduated with a nursing degree in 1985 from UW-Eau Claire.

After an outstanding nursing career in the military, Dr. Smith transitioned to higher education where today she is dean of nursing and a professor at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming.

Smith attributes her nursing success to her preparation and experiences as an undergraduate at UW-Eau Claire. She says the education preparation, along with the leadership opportunities in the UW-Eau Claire Student Nurses Association, were instrumental in developing the path and skills that have shaped her career.

After receiving her nursing degree at UW-Eau Claire, Smith received a master’s degree in nursing from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a doctorate in nursing education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado.

Smith began her professional career as an active-duty Air Force nurse and remained a nurse reservist after leaving active duty. She was selected Air Force Nurse of the Year in 2005 and retired in the rank of colonel in 2011.

In addition to her military career, Smith held leadership roles in community health before pursuing a path in nursing education. She has published 27 manuscripts, four textbook chapters and presented numerus papers at regional, national and international conferences.

UW-Eau Claire annually recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and communities, and who advance the mission and goals of UW-Eau Claire.

Click here for the more information and the complete list of this year's awardees