Dr. Misty Smethers

Associate Dean for Academic & Student Affairs
Assistant Professor, Population & Community Health

Education & Experience:
I hold a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas, a Master of Arts in Education in Student Affairs from Western Kentucky University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. With 20 years of professional experience in higher education, I have worked in a variety of roles that support student development, academic success, and institutional management. My career has encompassed leadership in both Academic and Student Affairs. These roles have provided me with a deep understanding of the student experience, curriculum development, and the integration of academic and co-curricular learning.

In my current role as Associate Dean for Academic & Student Affairs, I provide strategic leadership for curriculum development, accreditation, and academic policies. I lead the Office of Student & Academic Services for the College of Public Health, where I manage a team of professionals committed to advancing student success and retention. I oversee academic advising for graduate certificate programs, dual-degree students, and non-degree-seeking students, and I collaborate with faculty and administration to develop and implement academic policies, curriculum strategies, and support services. I am responsible for ensuring alignment with accreditation standards, managing key administrative responsibilities such as enrollment management reporting, and maintaining academic and institutional policies to ensure both student success and compliance with university and accreditation requirements. Additionally, I oversee the delivery of comprehensive student services, including academic advising, career development, and student wellness initiatives, ensuring students receive quality academic and career support throughout their educational journey.

Teaching Areas & Public Health Interests:
Over my tenure at the UNT Health Science Center, I have taught and facilitated a range of courses that support the academic and professional development of students. I teach the Health Management and Policy Integrative Capstone course, College Teaching, and manage the Certified in Public Health examination course. Previously, I taught the Professional and Academic Development courses in both the MPH and MHA programs, integrating learning outcomes that foster academic achievement and career readiness.

As Associate Dean, I lead the development and implementation of high-impact educational practices, such as service-learning and community experiences, to enhance student learning and engagement. I collaborate with faculty and academic departments to integrate experiential and applied learning into the curriculum, ensuring alignment with program objectives and accreditation standards. My interests include supporting first-generation college students, fostering student success through developmental initiatives, improving workplace supportiveness in higher education, and advancing leadership and professional growth within the field of public health.

Accreditation, Teaching, and Curriculum Development:
A central component of my role involves overseeing accreditation efforts and ensuring compliance with standards set forth by accrediting bodies such as SACSCOC, CEPH, and CAHME. I work closely with faculty to assess student learning outcomes, integrate innovative teaching methodologies, and enhance curriculum development through data-driven decision-making. I also lead faculty development initiatives to promote transformative learning practices, advising, and career development.

I use data to inform the development of high-impact educational practices and student success initiatives, helping to better understand student performance. I develop and implement assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of educational practices and student services and use data to drive continuous improvement. I conduct surveys, focus groups, and other evaluation methods to gather feedback from students regarding their experiences and satisfaction. Additionally, I provide leadership in the collection and assessment of student outcomes for all accreditation reporting and ensure that evaluation data is used for continuous improvement of student and academic services.

Professional Activities & Leadership:
I am an active member of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, the Southern Association of College Student Affairs, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators. In my role, I identify and promote innovative teaching methodologies, instructional technologies, and learning resources to enhance student learning outcomes. I also develop a comprehensive educational and pedagogical training and professional development program for all CPH programs and collaborate with faculty to integrate practices into the classroom and professional development sessions.

I also oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of operational policies for the Office of Student & Academic Services as it relates to educational services, supervising professional staff members and graduate assistants. I foster a culture of student engagement and leadership within the CPH, promoting opportunities for student involvement in research, service, student organizations, and professional development activities.

Assessment & Accreditation:
I collaborate with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to develop partnerships and collaborations that support high-impact educational practices and student success initiatives. As a representative of the College in university committees and meetings related to student services, advising, and educational practices, I engage with professional organizations, industry partners, and alumni to stay abreast of best practices and trends in student services and educational practices. My leadership in accreditation efforts ensures continuous improvement in curriculum development, faculty teaching effectiveness, and student learning outcomes.

Honors & Awards:

• • UNTHSC School of Public Health, Outstanding Faculty Member (2022)
  • Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society, Faculty Inductee (2018)
  • UNTHSC School of Public Health, Outstanding Staff Member (2016)
  • UNTHSC Public Health Student Association, Outstanding Staff Member (2014)
  • Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Inducted (2010)
  • UNTHSC Public Health Student Association, Outstanding Advisor (2010)
  • UNTHSC Public Health Student Association, Outstanding Staff Member (2010)
  • Nominee, Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators, New Professional of the Year (2007)
  • Recipient, Edward E. Elko for Distinguished Service to the UNTHSC Graduate Student Association (2009)
  • Recipient, Thomas Moorman Unsung Hero Award from the UNTHSC Medical Student Government Association (2007)

Through my work, I strive to enhance the student experience and contribute to the broader field of education by advancing effective teaching strategies, curriculum development, and student-centered academic leadership.

Link to Dr. Smethers’ Curriculum Vitae:

Link to Dr. Smethers’ University Profile: