Nursing Professor Cited for Exemplary Professionalism

Shirley Powe Smith, a retired member of the nursing faculty, has received a 2011 Cameos of Caring® Award for nurse-educators.

Dr. Shirley Smith
Dr. Shirley Smith

The Cameos of Caring® Award, now in its 13th year, was created by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing to recognize nurses in Western Pennsylvania who embody the highest ideals of the profession. Since 2006, the award has recognized the efforts of nurse-educators as well as nurses in clinical practice.

An expert in the field of community health nursing as well as a widely acknowledged humanitarian and educator, Smith retired at the end of the past spring semester after 25 years of service to Duquesne. She most recently served as assistant professor and coordinator for continuing education for the School of Nursing.

Smith was the first African American graduate of Duquesne’s Ph.D. in Nursing program and has worked tirelessly over the years to make sure that minorities as well as economically or educationally disadvantaged students can choose nursing, do well in nursing school and begin their careers.

Last year, Smith’s nursing faculty colleagues established a scholarship fund in her honor to help minority and disadvantaged students become nurses. This was the second nursing scholarship at Duquesne named in her honor, a clear acknowledgement of Smith’s academic leadership, professionalism and commitment to improve community health.

In addition to holding faculty positions at Duquesne and elsewhere, Smith has held regional and state office in professional nursing organizations. The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, the American Heart Association and other organizations including the Pittsburgh Pirates have singled her out for her vision and community service.

Smith received the 2011 Cameos of Caring® Award along with seven alumnae of the School of Nursing. They were honored at a gala awards dinner on Nov. 5.