1. Mark A. Smith, Ph.D.
Vice President, Educational Services
Temple College
Dr. Smith’s career has spanned 18+ years at two community colleges where he has had the honor of
helping learners successfully meet their educational aspirations. From 2008 to present, he has served as
the Vice President of Educational Services and Chief Academic Officer at Temple College. In this position
he oversees academic transfer and career/technical instruction, student support services, and
workforce/continuing education. While at Temple College, he also served as the Associate Vice President
of Distance Education. Dr. Smith has served on many statewide committees to include: The Texas
Association of Community College’s eLearning Council, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s
(THECB) Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee, the THECB’s Texas Success Initiative
Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, and the THECB’s Block Scheduling Negotiated Rulemaking
Committee. He currently serves as the THECB’s Community, State, and Technical College Liaison for
Temple College. Dr. Smith serves on the Temple College Board of Trustees finance, building, and
strategic planning committees and serves as the administrative lead for Temple College’s Achieving the
Dream, Dana Center Mathematics Pathways, and Texas Pathways Project initiatives. He has significant
experience with SACSCOC and many health professions accreditation bodies. Dr Smith assisted in the
development, marketing, and passage of two General Obligation bonds and a branch campus
maintenance tax. He also led the development of two 5-year strategic plans.
Prior to arriving at Temple College, Dr. Smith served in multiple roles at Mississippi Gulf Coast
Community College to include College Director of Student Affairs and Distance Learning, Distance
Learning Coordinator, and Workforce Training and Development Coordinator. He also continues to teach
online classes in business and college study skills.
Dr. Smith began his career proudly serving 20 years in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force,
he held positions as Airborne Computer/Radar Instructor Supervisor, Airborne Computer Instructor,
Computer Systems Repairman, and Morse Systems Radio Operator. One of his significant
accomplishments while serving in the Air Force was receiving the John Levitow Air Force Leadership and
Management Development School Honor Graduate award.
Dr. Smith is actively involved in the local community. He is a member of the Temple Rotary Club where
he serves as co-team leader for the Lakewood Elementary youth service club. He serves on the City of
Temple Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, serves as Vice Chair of the City of Temple Mayor’s Fitness
Council, is immediate past chair for the P-20 Central Texas Regional Council, and serves on the Temple
Chamber of Commerce Workforce Readiness Committee.
Dr. Smith is a community college success story. As a first-generation college learner, he began his
educational journey by receiving an A.S. in Technology from Fort Steilacoom Community College (now
Pierce College). He also received an A.S. in Electronic Systems Technology and an A.S. in Instructor of
Technology and Military Science from the Community College of the Air Force. After receiving his
Bachelor of General Studies in Business and Masters of Business Administration from William Carey
University, he completed his Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online
Learning from Capella University.
Dr. Smith lives in Temple, TX with his wife Lesha, and their two children Remington and Alyssa. His son
Remington, is currently a freshman attending his first semester at Temple College. His daughter Alyssa,
is a sophomore in high school and active in cheer.