National American University is proud to recognize LaShunda B. Smith, PhD, RHIA, CHC, CHDA, CPC, CHTS-IM, Lead Faculty for Healthcare programs and a member of the American Health Information Management Association Council for Excellence in 英皇娱乐.

Dr. Smith’s national service through AHIMA connects NAU’s healthcare programs directly to evolving industry standards in medical coding, compliance, data governance, and healthcare operations.

You can view her official AHIMA Council biography here.

Why AHIMA Leadership Matters

AHIMA plays a central role in shaping professional standards in:

• Health Information Management
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Healthcare Compliance
• Revenue Cycle Operations
• Healthcare Data Integrity and Privacy

Service on the Council for Excellence in 英皇娱乐 means contributing to conversations that influence curriculum expectations, credential alignment, and workforce readiness nationwide. Through this role, Dr. Smith will collaborate with educators and industry leaders from across the country to influence curriculum development, faculty engagement, and educational innovation. Her work supports the next generation of HIM professionals by helping ensure that academic programs remain relevant, forward-thinking, and aligned with real-world practice.

For NAU students, this leadership translates into instruction grounded in current professional standards.

Leadership Perspective

Dr. Cindy Mathena, President of National American University, shared:

“At National American University, we are committed to ensuring our students are guided by faculty who not only teach the discipline but help shape it at the national level. Dr. Smith’s leadership within AHIMA reflects the caliber of expertise our students deserve and reinforces our dedication to industry-aligned healthcare education.”

Steven Balke, Dean, added:

“Dr. Smith’s service on AHIMA’s Council for Excellence in 英皇娱乐 strengthens our healthcare programs in meaningful ways. Her involvement helps keep our curriculum aligned with professional standards and current workforce needs.”

LaShunda B. Smith reflected:

“Serving on AHIMA’s Council for Excellence in 英皇娱乐 allows me to contribute to the advancement of health information management nationally while bringing those insights directly into the online classroom. Our students are the future of the healthcare profession and must be prepared to manage compliance, data integrity, and operational accountability with confidence.”

NAU Healthcare Programs Supported by This Leadership

Dr. Smith’s expertise supports several career-focused NAU programs designed for working adults pursuing advancement in healthcare operations and administration:

• Medical Billing and Coding Diploma
• Medical Staff Services Management (AAS)
• Medical Administrative (AAS)
• Healthcare Management (BS)

These programs address essential workforce needs in medical coding accuracy, provider credentialing, compliance oversight, healthcare administration, and operational leadership.

What This Means for Students

Healthcare organizations depend on professionals who understand regulatory compliance, revenue cycle accuracy, credentialing standards, and healthcare data governance. Faculty leadership at the national level reinforces NAU’s commitment to preparing graduates for roles where precision, accountability, and integrity matter.

Dr. Smith’s service with AHIMA reflects not only professional recognition, but NAU’s broader commitment to delivering healthcare education aligned with real-world expectations.