Upon graduating from high school in the 1990s, DeAnna Smith knew she was called to ministry, though options for female ministers were slim.

Smith went to work in the medical field. After the hospital where she worked closed, she applied for work at other hospitals. During each interview, she said she felt the “chastisement” of the Lord, recognizing He was closing that door.

Knowing God was leading her back to Bible college, Smith enrolled in SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. Upon graduation, the director of pastoral care at UAB Medical West invited her to work as an on-call chaplain.

The desire for professional training led Smith to enroll at The Ingalls Center of Pastoral Ministries where she studied under Cecelia Walker, MDiv ’98, a Samford University trustee. After completing her residency in 2017, Smith came to Beeson to pursue her Master of Divinity while serving as a chaplain.

“You encounter so many kinds of people at Beeson,” said Smith, MDiv ’20. “As a chaplain, I encounter so many types of people as well, and Beeson prepared me to meet those differences.”

After a long career in chaplaincy, Smith now serves as the director of pastoral care at UAB Medical West. She recently was honored by the Influential Women organization for her service, taking part in a video series that spotlights women in chaplaincy.

Influential Women writes that Smith helps “create environments where compassion, empathy and faith-centered support guide patient care. ... Throughout her career, DeAnna has skillfully balanced administrative leadership with hands-on ministry. In her role, she provides guidance and encouragement not only to patients and their families, but also to health care staff who often face emotional and spiritual challenges in their work.”

Influential Women is an organization that provides a “platform where women from all backgrounds can connect, share their perspectives and create content that empowers themselves and others.”

After graduating from Beeson, Smith went on to receive a Doctor of Ministry from Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Ohio. Smith also serves at Journey Church and on the Commission of Chaplains which provides endorsement status for chaplains.

Smith called chaplaincy a calling, “not something you just choose.” Chaplains pray with patients, families and staff at medical facilities, while also providing chapel services and other resources.  She takes a special concern for medical staff.

“My heart is for our staff,” Smith said. “I understand what it’s like to come in and take care of someone else when you yourself are struggling.”

While transitioning to pastoral care director at UAB Medical West, a job that became more task-oriented with meetings and paperwork, Smith wondered whether she was making a deep impact.

Being honored by Influential Women and by the documentary has reinforced the influence she’s having on others.

“Chaplaincy is a great way to minister to people in so many different settings,” Smith said. “You learn to listen in a whole different way. You find out more about yourself and who you are. If you want to do real, in the trenches, front-line ministry, chaplaincy is a great way.”