Dimitra Smith

Dr. Dimitra Jackson Smith, a distinguished educator and researcher, earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Iowa State University in 2010. Her research, focusing on transfer students in STEM majors, underscores her commitment to understanding student success. Currently serving as the Department Head of Higher Education and Learning Technologies at Texas A&M University at Commerce, Dr. Smith previously held key roles at Texas Tech University. Her extensive teaching experience spans graduate and undergraduate courses, addressing topics such as the history of higher education and community college instructional leadership. Dr. Smith's scholarly emphasis centers on student success in STEM, educational pathways for underrepresented students, and the role of community colleges.

Publications

Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education
Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education
LaVelle Hendricks, Dimitra Smith, Elsa Villarreal, Jose Parra, Melissa Arrambide. © 2024. 300 pages.
Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education addresses a persistent gap that inhibits Hispanic professionals from reaching leadership positions within academia. Led by Dr. Elsa...
The Future of Black Leadership in Higher Education: Firsthand Experiences and Global Impact
The Future of Black Leadership in Higher Education: Firsthand Experiences and Global Impact
John A. Kuykendall, Dimitra Jackson Smith, Joy M. Jackson, Dantrayl Smith, LaVelle Hendricks. © 2023. 225 pages.
High-quality higher education leadership is critical to student engagement, persistence, and graduation outcomes. With higher education institutions pushing for Black student...
Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving From Denial to Acceptance
Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving From Denial to Acceptance
LaVelle Hendricks, Dimitra Smith. © 2023. 367 pages.
Mental health among African Americans historically has been kept secret, and often has been subject to intense denial from both the individuals with mental health concerns and...
Factitious Disorder Among the African-American Population
Factitious Disorder Among the African-American Population
LaVelle Hendricks, Dimitra Smith, Karl Mitchell, Elizabeth Hudson, Jovaria Baig. © 2023. 21 pages.
Factitious disorder, also known as Munchausen syndrome, is a mental health condition in which a person intentionally exaggerates physical or psychological symptoms in themselves...
Paranoia Disorder and the African-American Community
Paranoia Disorder and the African-American Community
Dimitra Smith, LaVelle Hendricks, John Kuykendall, David Tolliver. © 2023. 11 pages.
African Americans have experienced grave inequities in healthcare. These inequities have extended to mental health and continue to be a concern for African Americans. Paranoia is...
Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation in the 21st Century: Emerging Research and Opportunities
Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation in the 21st Century: Emerging Research and Opportunities
Dimitra J. Smith, Rhonda Lewis, Leslie Singleton. © 2021. 190 pages.
Community colleges are essential in preparing the 21st century workforce. Research has indicated that there is a shortage of individuals prepared for skilled workforce...
Technology to Enhance Learning for All Students: Accessibility Issues and Internet Access for Low SES
Technology to Enhance Learning for All Students: Accessibility Issues and Internet Access for Low SES
Raytosha Jones, Dimitra J. Smith. © 2020. 14 pages.
Technology is at the forefront of today's workforce. Comparatively, K-12 schools are incorporating technology into K-12 classrooms and instructional teaching methods and...
Examining the Impact of Community Colleges on the Global Workforce
Examining the Impact of Community Colleges on the Global Workforce
Stephanie J. Jones, Dimitra Jackson Smith. © 2015. 309 pages.
In an effort to create a more educated workforce in the United States, many community colleges are implementing new practices and strategies to assist under-prepared students....