Meet Kellon Smith: WVU Nursing’s new Nurse Anesthesia Program Assistant Director

Dr. Kellon Smith, a WVU School of Nursing alum and a faculty member since 2019, is now serving as the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program’s Assistant Director.

Smith, of Keyser, has been a practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist since 2012, specializing in pain management and regional anesthesia.

“To me, an important aspect of our program is that all faculty are still active clinical members, which ensures we’re on the cutting-edge of evidence-based practices in the realm of anesthesia,” Smith said.

While his role as assistant program director will be more academia-focused, he wants to maintain his clinical skills and patient rapport. He said he’s also excited to embrace the challenge of the academic role.

Smith was inspired to pursue teaching after his experience in anesthesia school. He said his close-knit program was led by instructors who helped their students navigate the coursework and stressors well.

For Smith, flexibility is the most important trait a nurse anesthetist student can have, as the transition from bedside back to being a student again can be a difficult transition for some. He said being open-minded and flexible, learning new study habits and asking for help when needed is key.

“I’m very excited about this position and the opportunity,” Smith said. “I’m very fortunate and blessed to become part of the faculty at WVU. From what I’ve seen with WVU and what we’re able to offer, our Nurse Anesthetist program is one of a kind, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

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CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu