Vice President of Student Services George Smith is honored
05/20/2011
George Smith, Edmonds College’s Vice President of Student Services, has received the 2011 Excellence in Education Award from the college’s trustees. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to education and the college’s mission.
Smith has been with the college since 1979. As vice president of student services, he leads the college’s efforts in student access, retention, and success. He is responsible for student discipline on campus and has been recognized for his commitment to academic freedom, due process, and fairness.
On campus, Smith has been noted for his support of student leadership and his ability to guide students in positive directions while advising them of college policies. He attends many events on campus and welcomes the community to college orientations, open houses, graduation ceremonies, and athletic events.
In addition, Smith has been a leader in organizations that shape the direction of community college programs in Washington State, including the American College Testing Advisor Council, Community College Administrators Association, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Northern Region Athletic Commission, Northwest WorkForce Development Council, NSIS Higher Education Consortium, Washington Campus Compact, Washington State Student Services Commission, and the Washington Association of Community and Technical College Presidents.
He recently finished serving on the Executive Board of the National Council on Student Development, the nation's primary voice for sharing knowledge, expertise, professional development and student advocacy for community college student development professionals.
He leads the Articulation Council with the Edmonds School District, and is frequently asked to present at conferences such as The Association, a group for community college administrators and exempt staff.
Smith earned his master’s degree at Seattle University and bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington. He is a graduate of West High School in Bremerton.
The Board of Trustees’ Excellence in Education Award has been given annually to one recipient at the college since 1984. It comes with a $500 gift and $1,000 in professional development funds for the recipient’s department. Grants director Beth Nichols received the award in 2010. Past recipients have included sociology instructor Anne Martin, anthropology instructor Tom Murphy, and international education division leader David Cordell.