Hall of Fame Member Biographies
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Stephen E. Smith
Dr. Stephen E. Smith had a 30-year career in education before retiring from Eastern Oklahoma State College on June 30, 2020. Upon his appointment as president on March 28, 2007, he was 38 years of age, making him the youngest college president in that state at that time. During his 13-year tenure, he transformed the college with the implementation of many programs and initiatives, including the development of numerous online degree programs, the addition of various academic programs, and oversight of $14 million in new construction and remodeled facilities. In addition, he was able to raise funds for numerous projects and scholarships which include the school’s largest single endowed scholarship of $1 million.
While Smith was president, Eastern Oklahoma State College received over $47 million in grant awards, to include a $17 million GearUP grant, which is the largest grant in the history of the college. He was also considered a strong leader within the state’s system of higher education, where he served in multiple leadership roles, such as chair of the Oklahoma Council of Presidents and chair of the Council of Two-Year College Presidents. In addition, Smith represented Eastern, and the Oklahoma Two-Year College System, on the national level serving for six years on the Community College Advisory Council at the College Board located in New York City.
He was also instrumental in working with the Oklahoma state legislature to help secure over $11 million in additional funding for the state community college system in the area of Section 13 Offset Funding. Upon his retirement, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame.
A proud member of the Choctaw Nation, Smith has been involved in numerous community and civic boards during his career. He is known for his public speaking as well as his work as a volunteer at both the state and local levels.
Smith and his wife Stacey have three children son Garrett, son Wade and daughter Katie.