Essence Smith

Essence Smith, EdD, currently serves as a Relationship Manager at Handshake since February 2021. Prior to this role, Essence held positions at Southern Methodist University, including Assistant Director of Employer Relations from August 2018 to February 2021 and Graduate Research Assistant from August 2017 to June 2018. Experience also includes working as Program Coordinator for Experiential Education at Prairie View A&M University from March 2016 to August 2017, a Graduate Student Assistant at the University of South Alabama in May 2015, and an Education Contractor with Envision Experience from January 2012 to August 2015. Additionally, Essence completed an internship with the Department of Defense at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education in June 2012. Educational qualifications include a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Administration from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Alabama, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History from The University of Alabama.