Heidi Smith

Heidi McDonald Smith served as the Chief of Staff at Texas Southern University from August 2016 to February 2022.2 As Chief of Staff, she was a member of the president's cabinet and responsible for the efficient operation of the president's office, including managing the budget, scheduling, and operating procedures.1 She also coordinated with cabinet members on matters of interest to the president, ensuring progress on the university's top five priorities: student success and completion, academic program quality and research, culture, partnerships, and finances.1

Prior to her role at Texas Southern University, Smith held several positions in education:

1. Executive Director of First Year Experience at Lone Star College System
2. Professor of Education at Lone Star College Montgomery for 10 years
3. Chair of the Education Department at Lone Star College Montgomery for 4 years
4. Elementary school teacher in the New Orleans Public Schools System
5. Adjunct professor of early childhood education at Delgado Community College

Smith's educational background includes:

• Bachelor's degree in child development from Spelman College
• Master's degree in educational administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University Graduate School of Education
• Pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration from Texas Tech University1

She has been actively involved in various community organizations and has served on several boards, including KIPP Houston Schools and Collaborative for Children.1