Adam Smith on Resilience and Social Justice: Education’s Role in Building a Better Future

Adam Smith
Founder and Lead Education Consultant
Smith Education Consultants
 
Quote of the Podcast:
We all do better, when we all do better - Senator Paul Wellstone
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Adam A. Smith is a first-generation college graduate who has dedicated his almost three-decade career to ensuring college access and success for all Americans. He served as the founding Director of the TRIO Upward Bound program at Rock Valley College and later as the college’s Dean of Students. He taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, and was appointed to serve as the City of Rockford’s (IL) “Education Czar” to former mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey. Adam worked at Metropolitan State University as Director of Multicultural, American Indian and Retention Services, The University of Alabama as Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising and Student Success and at The University of Akron as Assistant Vice President of Student Success. He also has undergraduate admissions experience from his time at The University of Tennessee. Smith currently works at the University of Kentucky as Executive Director for University Academic Advising and has a vibrant public speaking and educational consulting firm, Smith Education Associates, LLC and is the host of The Get Uncomfortable podcast and is represented by the Institute of Democratic Education & Culture, “SpeakOut”, the nation’s only social justice speaker agency. Adam has built successful coalitions and initiatives that have transformed high school graduation rates, college enrollment and success for students throughout the nation.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

•  30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• Higher education.
• College students since the return for lock down,
• Student success, student mental health and well-being,
• The impact of anti-DEI legislation on student success and belonging
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision-makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
The Get Uncomfortable Podcast, Smith Education Associates, LLC,
SpeakOut - The Institute for Democratic Education and Culture
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions