Dr. Misty Smethers

Associate Dean of High Impact Educational Practices & Student Services
Department of Population & Community Health

Education & Experience:
I earned my Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas, my Master of Arts in Education degree in Student Affairs from Western Kentucky University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University.

I have worked professionally in the field of higher education for over 15 years. Previous experience includes the areas of Student Development, Judicial Affairs, New Student Orientation, Student Union Management, Admissions and Recruitment, Student Organizations and Leadership, Greek Life, and Events and Programs.

I lead the Office of Academic Services for the School of Public Health, where I work with a dedicated and experienced team of higher education and public health professionals. My main responsibilities include the success and retention of our students; advising our graduate certificate in public health, dual-degree anthropology, and non-degree seeking students; serving as a CARE team representative; developing professional and career development sessions; teaching the Professional and Academic Development course; managing the administrative contracts for the practice and internship; managing SPH policies and procedures; and overseeing enrollment management reporting for our university and accrediting bodies.

Teaching Areas & Public Health Interests:
I have worked at the UNT Health Science Center for 13 years and have had the opportunity to work in the School of Public Health for the last 11 years. I teach the Professional and Academic development course in the MHA program and am responsible for the oversight of the CPH examination course. I am also responsible for the professional and career programming during interlude as well as overseeing contracts for the internship and practice experience. My areas of interest include: first-generation college students; student development; workplace supportiveness and advancement in higher education; and student success.

Professional Activities & Awards:
I am an active member of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), the Southern Association of College Student Affairs (SACSA), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators. At the school level, I have received the Outstanding Staff Member award from the UNTHSC Public Health Student Government Association (PHSA) in 2016, 2014 and 2010, and the Outstanding PHSA Advisor award in 2010.

Scholarly Interests:
My research has focused mainly on workplace supportiveness, family obligations and the field of student affairs. My main role is to serve as a practitioner in higher education and to foster student success. I am passionate about helping students succeed professionally and academically, by serving as an advocate for student needs while encouraging quality and achievement.

Link to Dr. Smethers’ Curriculum Vitae:

Link to Dr. Smethers’ University Profile: