After a national search, Auburn University at Montgomery has selected Derrick Smith as dean of its College of Education. He will assume the position on January 2, 2024.
Smith most recently served as associate dean of the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s College of Education and professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He joined the UAH faculty in 2008, serving as department chair from 2015 to 2018 and named associate dean in 2018.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Smith to our campus community,” said AUM Chancellor Carl Stockton. “His experience at UAH, coupled with his strong record of research, teaching and outreach, make him an outstanding fit for the deanship. His familiarity with Alabama’s River Region will also be valuable in strengthening existing relationships with nearby K-12 school systems and exploring partnerships elsewhere in the state.”
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University and a masters in special education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He earned his doctorate in education in special education from Texas Tech University.
He has been published in nearly 30 journals and has served as a principal investigator and/or senior personnel on eight funded research and teaching grants, including projects supported by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Smith also possesses K-12 experience, having served as a secondary mathematics teacher for the Alabama School for the Blind and as a certified orientation and mobility specialist for several school systems.
He has multiple educational organization affiliations and several educational awards.