Shanna Widener

Dr. Shanna E. Smith is an Associate Vice President in the Office of Strategic Enrollment Management. Prior to this roll she was an Assistant Professor of College Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration in the Department of Communication Sciences and Professional Counseling at the University of West Georgia. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and a certificate in Evaluation, Statistics, and Measurement from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an M.S. in Psychology from the University of Memphis, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Dr. Smith’s primary research focuses on Students’ of Color access, retention, engagement, and experiences in higher education. Other areas of focus include service-learning, community colleges, and bridge programs. Prior to her work in higher education, Dr. Smith spent over seven years working with underserved children and families in the Memphis City School System, and Knox County, TN and ten surrounding counties, within the fields of education and mental health.