Pam Smith has been named the new director of the University of the Ozarks’ Pat Walker Teacher Education Program, University officials announced this week.
Smith, a 1990 Ozarks graduate who has taught at the University since 2015, will become the program’s new director effective April 1, 2022.
“I am looking forward to working with the education department to continue furthering our mission to prepare future professional teachers who are committed to instructing a broad range of students from diverse backgrounds and diverse needs,” Smith said. “I am truly thankful for the opportunity to serve in the education department that taught me to love learning and teaching.”
After graduating from Ozarks, Smith taught in private school one year before spending 25 years as a classroom teacher and principal in public school systems.
“I am delighted that Pam Smith has agreed to become the director of teacher education,” said Jeff Elwell, U of O’s vice president for academic affairs. “As an experienced educator with more than 20 years of experience in Arkansas public schools and an Ozarks alum with almost seven years of experience at the university-level, Pam is the right choice to lead our education program.”
Smith was the recipient of the 2019 Broyles Outstanding Faculty award and was promoted to an associate professor of practice in 2021. In her promotion citation, Smith was lauded for her leadership role in the partnership between the University and the Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative. She was described as a “positive and compassionate colleague who enrichens the University by her presence.”
Smith replaces Dr. Allison Freed, who left the University in December.