Dr. Robert Smith

WCE Professor Robert Smith will retire in June. Dr. Smith joined the faculty at UNCW in 1991 and has taught in WCE’s Secondary Education program for the past 34 years. On April 30, dozens of current and former students joined faculty and staff at a retirement celebration in his honor.

“Dr. Robert Smith has brought joy and passion to his career advocating for public education, teachers and underserved students,” said Watson College Dean Tracy Linderholm. “He has made an indelible mark on our college and the broader community. Dr. Smith, your moral compass is a rare gift. It has been a joy to work with such a passionate educator – and that passion will continue to guide our faculty and students in the work ahead. We wish you all the best in your retirement.”

Smith devoted his career to preparing students to succeed in today’s complex high school environments, built strong connections between current students and alumni, and collaborated closely with many former students who have gone on to help mentor the next generation as partnership teachers.

In 2017, he was awarded WCE’s first Distinguished Murphy Professorship in Education. During the three-year appointment, he coordinated the first statewide conference on innovation in education, and initiated the creation of a statewide network to identify and support innovative practices in schools. He also conducted research studies, authored numerous articles, and wrote countless Op-eds in support of public schools.

Most recently, Dr. Smith, along with Dr. Denise Ousley, created the Teaching with Joy Network, an initiative that brings teachers together to build connections, share best practices and reaffirm the deeply fulfilling nature of a career in education.

Dr. Robert Smith Scholarship in Secondary Education

At Robert’s retirement celebration, faculty and former students described him as a valued colleague, mentor and friend, who made a lasting impact on all those around him.

Denise Ousley announced that a new scholarship has been created by Watson College faculty to honor Robert’s leadership, dedication, joy and friendship. The scholarship will provide support for students pursuing secondary/high school teaching. Friends of Dr. Smith are invited to join faculty in making a donation to the new Dr. Robert Smith Scholarship in Secondary Education.