Jacqueline Smith believes “Our Students’ success is Our entire Community’s success”

Professor Jacqueline Smith would be a stellar addition to the Maricopa Community College Governing Board. 

An educator with degrees in mathematics, economics, and law, Professor Smith is currently the Vice President at the Arizona State University Foundation for a New American University. She is also a Professor of Practice at the Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College.

She recently co-wrote a chapter in a just-released (and appropriately timed) textbook called New Models for Lifelong Learning in the Digital Economy.

Prior to her current positions, Professor Smith worked “as an Associate Vice President working directly for ASU President Michael Crow for over 10 years to design, develop and launch over $60 million in projects related to student success, online learning, and workforce development.”

Declaring “I launched my campaign during the COVID-19 crisis because I am eager to serve my community during these unprecedented times,” Professor Smith wants to work in a constructive and collaborative way as the District One member of the Maricopa County Community College Governing Board. 

Her goal is to help create an environment where students find success in the community college system that helps to benefit the community. 

Professor Smith graciously took the time to discuss her candidacy.

The questions and her responses are below.

• What are two reasons you would like to run for a seat on the Maricopa County Community College Governing Board?  

 

• “I am deeply committed to access to education and student success.” 

• “I want to contribute to our district’s agility, resilience, and capacity to increase enrollment.” 

• “I am inspired by how many different learners are served by the district. Those include high school learners, those pursuing certificates, degrees, and learners who are reskilling and upskilling, and learners who are taking classes for personal enrichment.”
• “Our students’ success is our entire community’s success.” 

 

• Please tell the reader what are at least three qualifications you have for sitting on the Governing Board?

 

• “I have over ten years of experience working in Higher Education administration. I have navigated complex challenges and designed initiatives oriented around student success and online learning.” 

• “I earned my law degree at Georgetown and focused on education law and policy.”

• “I now teach higher education law and policy at ASU. I teach graduate students and many are balancing work and school life.”

 

• In your opinion, please describe at least two ways the board should handle the reopening of the community colleges and regulating (if possible) social distancing?

 

• “Make sure each college’s plan is in accordance with the CDC guidelines.” 

• “Support Dr. Gonzales as he and the leadership team develop, analyze, pick apart, and reassess many scenarios including making sure students have access to the right education support tools.” 

 

• If elected, what are at least three non-COVID 19 important issues the board should consider?

 

• “Evaluating enrollment patterns and students’ learning needs and working with the chancellors to enable access and success.” 

• “Hiring and supporting a permanent chancellor.”
• “Working with the chancellor to understand and respond to the business community’s hiring needs especially as our economy responds to the pandemic and afterward.”

 

• Is there anything not covered in the first five questions you would like the reader to know about you or your candidacy?

“I am in this race to serve the people of Maricopa County. I commit to help students, to help Arizona businesses, and to ensure the success of our impressive Community College system. I am highly motivated to serve. I will be a constructive and collaborative board member.”

For more information on Professor Smith and her candidacy, please click on her website here, her interview with Maricopa County School Superintendent Candidate Jeanne Casteen here, and her Facebook Page here. 

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