Doctor of Education with Concentration in Higher Education Administration
University of North Carolina Charlotte

Master of Science in Sociology & Sports Studies
University of Tennessee Knoxville

Master of Science in Public Service Administration with Concentration in Strategic Planning
DePaul University

Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with Concentration in Health Promotion
Eastern Illinois University

Assistant Professor Dr. Steven C. Smith is a dedicated and results-driven professional with extensive experience in social science, education, leadership, and research. Dr. Smith is known for his ability to identify students' learning capacities and design curriculum to meet varied class needs. His teaching style focuses on encouraging life-long learning, pushing critical thinking, and fostering rich class discussions.

With a Doctor of Education degree with a Concentration in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Carolina Charlotte (May 2023), Dr. Smith has a strong foundation in educational leadership. His dissertation, titled "Aspirations of Community College Associate in Applied Science Students: A Qualitative Analysis with Implications for Measuring Outcomes," reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.

Dr. Smith's academic journey includes a Master of Science in Sociology & Sports Studies from the University of Tennessee Knoxville (December 2007), a Master of Science in Public Service Administration with a Concentration in Strategic Planning from DePaul University (November 2004), and a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with a Concentration in Health Promotion from Eastern Illinois University (August 2001).

Dr. Smith has held various higher education institution positions including of Associate Professor and Assistant Director. His responsibilities included designing various online, seated, and blended sociology courses, forming professional relationships with non-profit organizations, and utilizing various teaching and learning technologies. He also spearheads community research and service projects in conjunction with local, county, and state law enforcement agencies using qualitative research strategies.

Beyond teaching, Dr. Smith has contributed to the academic community through research publications, conference presentations, and grant projects. Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Smith has received honors, awards, and fellowships, including the North Carolina State University ECMC CTE Research Fellowship (2022) and the South Piedmont Community College Faculty of the Year (2018). He is an active member of various professional associations, including the NC Community College Sociology and Psychology Association, American Sociological Association, American Education Research Association, and American Association for Higher Education. With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in education, Dr. Steven C. Smith brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the field of higher education, community, and educational leadership.

Selected Publications

Miller, R. A., Forester, R., Kendra-Dill, Z. N., Smith, S., Wheeler, E., & D’Amico, M. M. (2018). Expanding notions of student activism and advocacy in the community college. In M. T. Miller & D. V. Tolliver (Eds.), Exploring the technological, societal, and institutional dimensions of college student activism (pp. 75-102). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
Smith, S. (2023). Aspirations of community college associate of applied science students: A qualitative analysis with implications for measuring outcomes. (Publication No. 30317462) [Doctoral Dissertation, University of North Carolina at Charlotte]. ProQuest Dissertation Publishing.