Denise Smith

Dr. Smith is in her third career as an assistant professor in the Health Care Administration program at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. After public accounting and healthcare financial administration careers, Dr. Smith entered academia to help shape healthcare administrators' and managers' financial understanding and knowledge. Having experience in not-for-profit and for-profit, rural, and urban healthcare settings, she brings a wealth of practical experience to the classroom. Dr. Smith desires to mentor and develop healthcare professionals she would be eager to employ and would love to work alongside. Dr. Smith is also a Certified Public Accountant.
She has been married to George for 50+ years and has two children and two grandchildren. She enjoys photography, travel, and arts & crafts.

Education

DHA in Healthcare Administration and Policy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
MBA in Healthcare Administration, Brenau University
BS in Accounting, Gardner-Webb University
Post graduate certificate in Non-profit Leadership

Specialization in Teaching

Her specialization is online teaching in both healthcare administration and accounting.

Research Interests

Dr. Smith's research interests include the cost of healthcare, physician practice pattern changes due to reimbursement changes, clinical staff understanding of reimbursement and budgets, and access to care.

Professional Service

Dr. Smith is an active member of HFMA and AUPHA, serving on committees and leading presentations.

Community Engagement

Dr. Smith is a member of the Board of Directors for MedNorth Healthcare Clinic in Wilmington, NC. She serves as the Board Secretary and a member of the Finance Committee.