Title: Academic Administrator
Company: Southeast Alabama Youth Services Diversion Center
Location: Dothan, Alabama, United States
Susan R. Smith, EdD, Academic Administrator at Southeast Alabama Youth Services Diversion Center, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Education.
Dr. Smith has dedicated over two decades to the field of education, with a particular focus on supporting at-risk youth. Currently serving as an academic administrator at the Southeast Alabama Youth Services Diversion Center in Dothan since 2023, she is committed to providing educational support to students who have faced multiple placements. Dr. Smith’s role involves ensuring these students receive appropriate academic credits, advocating for marginalized individuals, and striving to make a positive impact on their education and future.
Before starting her current position as an administrator at the Southeast Alabama Youth Services Diversion Center, Dr. Smith began teaching on campus in 2015. Her involvement with the Alabama State Department of Education underscores her commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students, a role in which she continues to make a significant impact today.
Dr. Smith’s expertise in tracking academic records for at-risk youth has been instrumental in preventing students from falling through the cracks. Her dedication to this cause is evident in her efforts to guide students through challenging circumstances, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she successfully assisted a student in completing his coursework while being placed in Huntsville, Alabama. Drawing tremendous satisfaction from her work, the Southeast Alabama Youth Diversion Center is recognized as a secure detention facility designed to safely house just over 45 juveniles, with four separate halls containing living units.
Dr. Smith’s journey into education began after a successful career as a research chemist at Sony Magnetic Products of America from 1988 to 1998. During her tenure at Sony, she developed a procedure that was tested on 100,000 belts, earning her a patent for her innovative work. This achievement remains one of Dr. Smith’s proudest accomplishments. However, her desire to be more present for her family led her to transition into education when she recognized a shortage of science and mathematics teachers in Alabama. She spent 2002 to 2015 as a teacher for the Dothan City Schools at the PASS Academy.
In preparation for her future, Dr. Smith earned an extensive and diverse education, beginning with an associate degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College in 1984 and a Bachelor of Science in pre-medical studies from Auburn University in 1986, and later pursued a Master of Education in secondary education and teaching from Troy University Dothan in 2000. Dr. Smith’s commitment to educational leadership was further demonstrated by earning an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Montevallo in 2019 and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and administration from Liberty University in 2022.
Dr. Smith attributes her success to her deep drive for causes she believes in, particularly when they resonate with her heart. This passion fuels her motivation to make a positive impact in the lives of others, particularly among young individuals.
Looking ahead, Dr. Smith aims to positively influence laws and procedures affecting the students she teaches, striving for improvements that will benefit their educational experiences. Her dedication to making a lasting impact on education continues to guide her efforts as she works tirelessly to improve the lives of those she serves.
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