Michelle Smith

A Conversation with Michelle Smith

What is your current employment/career?

I am currently a professor at Texarkana College.

What do like most about your position as a professor?

I enjoy that I get to work with a lot of first-generation college students and help them bridge the access gap in their educational experiences.  I am a first-generation college student too and I know firsthand how impactful educators can be to student experiences.

How did A&M-Commerce prepare you for your current position?

This question is a difficult one to answer. Primarily because I enjoyed almost all my time at A&M-Commerce. Psychological and Educational Statistics provided me with many practical applications to understand the data about students that I encountered in my classroom at the time. Additionally, the professor was a secondary educator in a previous career, so the practicality was enhanced with anecdotes which made the content very relatable. Professional Development is the backbone to any career and this course provided me with an excellent foundation on how to proceed in future settings as an academic. The Compleat Academic is still on my bookshelf.

What advice do you have for students?

I highly recommend the experience of attending A&M Commerce. My professors were challenging and caring. They demanded a lot academically but reciprocated the demands by what they gave to the class. Additionally, the professors helped to foster a sense of camaraderie among the students that is helpful as you take the next steps in your career path. I recommend the experience without hesitation.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2017
• MA, Science Education, University of Texas-Dallas, 2006
• BS, Chemistry Education, Xavier University of Louisiana, 2001