President Kate Smith Named AWHE Woman of the Year

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Tuesday, February 21, 2023
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Image of Dr. Kate Smith with text: 2023 AWHE Woman of the Year President Kate Smith

Rio Salado College President Kate Smith was named the Arizona Women in Higher Education (AWHE) Woman of the Year this month on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. 

The award honors women who demonstrate leadership, innovation and service in higher education.

“I am honored by this recognition and to be a part of this amazing group of women leaders in education,” said President Smith. “I extend my congratulations to Emerging Leader Dr. Ashley K. Randall and all of this year’s nominees. I look forward to collaborating with AWHE members to make education accessible and equitable for all— and to help mentor the next generation of educational leaders.”  

Smith has nearly 30 years of experience in education. Since joining Rio Salado College in 2016, she has served as the vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer, interim president and president.

Prior to her tenure at Rio Salado, Smith served as the dean of the academic foundations division at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York. She also taught high school mathematics and served as a consultant to Hobart and William Smith Colleges and local companies on college and career mathematics readiness.

Smith’s community development roles include being a founding member of the WGU Labs’ College Innovation Network and the Taskforce on Higher Education and Opportunity. She is co-chair of the education committee for the Arizona-Mexico Commission and a board member for East Valley Partnerships, the Higher Education Research and Development Institute Advisory Board, the Maricopa County Community College District Foundation and Tempe Chamber of Commerce.

In concert with the American Council on Education’s Women’s Network, AWHE is committed to improving the general climate and professional environment for women by identifying and developing leadership, advancing, and connecting and supporting women in higher education throughout the state. 

Smith will receive the woman of the year award at AWHE’s annual conference on April 19-21, 2023, at WeKoPa Resort in Scottsdale.

 

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