Marquita Lyons-Smith
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE

Dr. Lyons-Smith has a strong background in clinical practice, providing compassionate, evidence-based care to pediatric patients and their families. Her work is grounded in a patient-centered approach prioritizing holistic health and wellness.

Throughout her career, Dr. Lyons-Smith has contributed to numerous initiatives to improve health care delivery, enhance patient education, and advocate for policies that support equitable access to care. Her commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in her clinical and academic endeavors.

When not practicing or teaching, Dr. Lyons-Smith actively engages in professional organizations and enjoys giving back to her community through volunteer work and mentorship programs.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Lyons-Smith is a passionate educator and mentor dedicated to preparing future generations of nurses and health care leaders. She leverages her extensive experience to foster academic and professional growth in her students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in today’s complex health care environment.

Courses Taught:

N4002 Nursing Care of the Family, Summer 2015, Fall/Spring 2016-2020
N2030 Medical Terminology, Fall 2016-2020 (Online)
N2020 Health Assessment, Fall/Spring 2016, 2017
N4005 Nursing Informatics, Fall/Spring 2021-2023 (Online)
N4520 Introduction to Professional Nursing for RNs, 2023-Present (every 8 weeks)
N4540 Special Health Care Populations for RNs, 2023-present (Online)
N4530 Health Assessment for RNs, 2023-Present (Online)
N4560 Leadership and Management for RNs, 2025 (Online)

• Woodrow Jones Nursing Scholarship (1998)
• Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society (1998)
• Charter Member, Phi Eta National Honor Society (1998)
• NCCU Certificate of Academic Excellence (1998-2000)
• North Carolina Nursing Scholarships (1998-2000)
• Sigma Theta Tau International, Pi Sigma (NCCU) (1999 to Present)
• Sigma Theta Tau International, Nu Omega Chapter (UNC Wilmington) (2019)
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (UNC Wilmington) (2020)

• North Carolina Nurses Association, active member
  • Member 2015-present
  • DNP/NP Council
  • APRN Advisory Group
• American Nurses Association, active member
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, active member
  • Member, 2005-Present
  • Vendor Co-Chair, 2018-2022
• Sigma Theta Tau-Pi Sigma Chapter, President
• Director, RN to BSN Program Options, 2023- Present

Publications

• Johnson, R., Lyons-Smith, M, Derouin, A., Carter, B., VanRiel, Y. (2024). Increasing Diversity in the Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce Through Partnerships with Historically Black Colleges. Nurse Educator, 49, E83-E87, DOI: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000001443
• Lyons-Smith, M. (2024, June 14). Expanding Healthcare Provider Training and Access in Rural Areas. DOTmed. https://www.dotmed.com/news/story/6301
  
  

Digital Output

Social media:

The RN-BSN Program and Adult Learning Styles
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kko1yQAKQiU

Traditional media:

North Carolina Central Looks to Grow Adult Learning Enrollment Working With Project Kitty Hawk
- https://abc11.com/north-carolinacentral-university-durham-project-kitty-hawk/14445417/

Presentations

• Lyons-Smith, M. Nursing at North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Central University, Durham North Carolina, October 2020
• Lyons-Smith, M. A Day in the Life of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, June 2021
• Lyons-Smith, M., Developing Leadership Skills in Nursing, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC (Leading to Equitable Access to Health Professions, LEAHP), July 2021
• Johnson, R., Lyons-Smith, M., A Summer Immersion Program to Improve Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce Diversity, First Annual DNPs of Color Virtual Conference: Docs at the Table: Promoting Diversity and Transforming Nursing Practice (Presentation), October 2021
• Johnson, R., Lyons-Smith, M., Partnering with HBCUs to Improve Advanced Practice Workforce Diversity with a Summer Immersion Program, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, NONPF 48th Annual Conference (Presentation), April 2022
• Johnson, R., Lyons-Smith, M., A Summer Immersion Program to Improve Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce Diversity, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, AANP Annual Conference (Poster Presentation), July 2022
• Lyons-Smith, M., A Facilitated Reverse Mentoring Program for Multicultural Prelicensure HBCU Students and Faculty, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, AACN 2023 Diversity Leadership Institute Cohort Annual Conference (Presentation), July 2023
• Lyons-Smith, M., Partnering with HBCUs to Improve Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce Diversity, Sigma Theta Tau 2025, Creating Healthy Work Environments (Presentation), March 2025
  
  

Article Mentions

• Newsweek Staff. (2023, October 15). As Hurricanes Amplify Chronic Conditions, Telehealth Extends a Lifeline. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/hurricanes-amplify-chronic-conditions-telehealth-extends-lifeline-1973271
• DOTmed Staff. (2024, June 14). Expanding Healthcare Provider Training and Access in Rural Areas. DOTmed. https://www.dotmed.com/news/story/6301
• Cuevas, E. (2023, October 15). Infections, Sewage and Mosquito-Borne Illness Outlast Hurricanes. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/10/15/hurricane-health-risks-infections-sewage-mosquitoes/71123480007/
• Denby, L. (2024, September 10). The Best Cloth Diapers That Are Actually Easy to Use. Parents. https://www.parents.com/best-cloth-diapers-8685613
  • In this article, Dr. Marquita Lyons-Smith provides insights into the benefits of cloth diapers and offers guidance on selecting the best options for parents.
    
    

Research Support

Approved Grant

Status on Grant: Project Director
Pending Project Period: August 2021- August 2022
Source: Wake Area Health and Education Center
Total Direct Cost: $10,000