Dr. Beverly J. “Marty” Smith
Dr. Beverly J. “Marty” Smith (Ed.D. Educational Leadership/Public Administration ’98) is a native of rural North Carolina. She grew up in Lenoir, Jones and Craven Counties on tobacco farms, participated in 4-H and worked for the local Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services (ASCS) office prior to college. She was the first member of her family to attend and graduate from college, thanks to soy beans and strict budget management. Marty’s early career in education was in rural eastern North Carolina school systems and over 30 years with Vance County Schools prior to retirement. She has a B.S. from East Carolina University in history, political science and business and a M.A. from North Carolina Central University in sociology and education. She earned her Ed.D. from N.C. State in educational leadership and public administration.
Marty served North Carolina schools as a teacher, coach, school principal and system administrator for 35 years. She was recognized as Coach of the Year in 1980, local and regional Principal of the Year in 1991 and Administrator of the Year in 2002, 2006 and 2007. As an administrator, Marty worked extensively with community organizations focused on community improvement and lifelong learning opportunities. Shortly after retiring, she joined the Granville County Cooperative Extension Advisory Leadership Council and then served two terms (2013-2016) on the North Carolina Cooperative Extension State Advisory Council (SAC). After retirement, Marty continued private consulting projects with area school systems, local governmental groups and community organizations. She continued to serve as a member of the N.C. Public Schools Committee of Practitioners until 2010, is a retired member of the North Carolina Association of Compensatory Educators and the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators and continues as a member of the Henderson Business and Professional Women.
As a lifelong Wolfpack fan, Marty has followed the women’s basketball team since 1975 and has been a Wolfpack Club member for over 20 years. She has contributed to university projects including the Kay Yow Endowment, the Case Athletic Center, the Reynolds Coliseum renovations, the Preserve the Pack Fund, the Student Athlete Impact Program and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Excellence Fund. Education has been the central focus of Marty’s life. Having spent her career in rural school systems with large numbers of at-risk and high-need students, she has seen and understands the life-changing impact higher education can make. She also recognizes the importance of opportunities for students to pursue higher education regardless of their financial circumstances. Marty hopes that her gift will encourage future teachers who will then have the potential to provide education and inspiration to their own students.