Smith named a vice chancellor at ATU-Ozark
Dr. Tina Smith has been hired as vice chancellor for academic affairs and workforce advancement at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus. The announcement was made by ATU-Ozark Chancellor Dr. Sheila Jacobs.
Smith is an alumna of ATU, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history education.
”With Dr. Smith’s extensive background in advocacy, policy, teaching, professional development and administration, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help drive our vision and mission forward,” Jacobs said in a statement. “Her unwavering commitment to student success and her proven track record of educational excellence will be invaluable in advancing both the academic outcomes and workforce initiatives at ATU-Ozark and across the university. We are confident that Dr. Smith’s pragmatic, student-centered leadership will make a lasting impact on our students, community and state, and we look forward to working alongside her in service to our shared goals.”
Smith holds a doctorate in adult education and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Arkansas. She also holds graduate-level certificates for counselor certification from John Brown University and for curriculum administration from the University of Arkansas.
“I am deeply honored to accept the position of vice chancellor of academic affairs and workforce advancement at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus,” said Smith. “This opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team, committed to empowering students and strengthening community partnerships, aligns perfectly with my passion for education and workforce development. I look forward to advancing the mission of ATU-Ozark and contributing to the success of our students, faculty and the community we serve.”
After beginning her career as a social studies teacher at Ozark Junior High School, Smith progressed to being a high school and junior high school counselor in the Ozark School District, director of curriculum and federal programs for the Ozark School District and leadership and curriculum coach for the Arkansas Public School Resource Center.
Smith was director of policy and special projects for the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education from 2016-22. She also has experience as Arkansas state director for Solution Tree, as an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Arkansas and as a consultant for the Arkansas Family Alliance.
The ATU-Ozark Campus was established in 1965 as Arkansas Valley Vocational Technical School (AVVTS). In 1975, the Arkansas State Board of Education/Vocational Education granted accreditation to AVVTS, making it the first school of its kind in the state to receive that distinction. In 1991, the campus was renamed Arkansas Valley Technical Institute (AVTI). On July 1, 2003, AVTI merged with Arkansas Tech University to become Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus.