Nan Smith-Blair, University of Arkansas associate professor of nursing, has been elected to Distinguished Fellowship in the National Academies of Practice. She will be inducted in April in Alexandria, Virginia.

The National Academies of Practice was established in 1981 to advise governmental bodies about the U.S. health care system. Distinguished practitioners and scholars are elected by their peers from 14 health professions. The group is dedicated to supporting affordable, accessible and coordinated quality health care for all.

The group holds national forums and publishes policy papers on topics reflecting current and future issues about practice, education, policy and research. It publishes the Journal of Interprofessional Healthcare online.

“Being selected as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice gives recognition to your contributions and accomplishments,” said Dr. Satya Verma, president-elect of the organization. “It recognizes your interest and desire to be an integral part of collaborative interdisciplinary health care. It also reflects your commitment to rise above your individual discipline and be an equal partner in delivering total health care without boundaries.”

Smith-Blair joined the faculty of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing in the College of Education and Health Professions in 1992. She served as director of the nursing school from 2008 through July 2012 and is a member of the Honors College faculty. She serves as head of the honors nursing program and received the Honors College Distinguished Faculty Award in 2011.

She is also president-elect of the Southern Nursing Research Society.