Jocelyn Smith, Ed.D.

Jocelyn Smith, Ed.D. is an Assistant Teaching Professor for the Institute for Educational Initiatives and the Alliance for Catholic Education. She serves as the program coordinator for the Latino Enrollment Institute and Latino Educator and Administrator Development Program (LEAD) within the ALMA Initiative.

Smith’s career is marked by a steadfast commitment to educational equity and excellence. Drawing from her extensive experience as a former principal, she took a once struggling institution, beset by declining enrollment and failing academic performance, to emerge as a beacon of excellence, earning the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 2023.

In her role as the Coordinator of the Latino Enrollment Institute, she uses her experience to collaborate with principals nationwide to implement best practices and innovative strategies tailored to the unique needs of Latino students in Catholic schools. She provides guidance on building culturally responsive practices, fostering family and community engagement and addressing systemic barriers that hinder student achievement. Her approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Latino students and a commitment to celebrating their rich cultural heritage. With a deep-rooted passion for fostering inclusive and thriving school environments, Smith has established herself as a distinguished principal mentor advancing educational opportunities for Latino students across the nation, increasing enrollment and enhancing academic performance in schools nationwide.

In her role as the Coordinator of the Latino Educator and Administrator Development program (LEAD), she mentors and empowers Latino professionals to ascend to leadership positions within their Catholic schools. With a profound commitment to diversity and equity, Smith has established herself as a key figure in nurturing and guiding the next generation of Latino Catholic school leaders. Her mentorship focuses on equipping these emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in school administration and create positive change within their school communities. Her guidance is informed by a commitment to leverage their unique perspectives and experiences to drive excellence and inclusivity in education. Under her mentorship, countless Latino professionals have successfully transitioned into impactful roles as school leaders.

Smith received her doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Vanderbilt University. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition in the field of education as a keynote speaker renowned for her transformative insights and dynamic presentations. Her deep commitment to Latino student success has made Smith a prominent voice in the field of education, known for inspiring change and fostering excellence in schools across the country. Her keynotes are characterized by their compelling blend of research, practical strategies, and heartfelt anecdotes. She addresses a range of topics, including educational equity, effective leadership practices, advancement, teacher pedagogy and the importance of championing a future where diversity in our schools and school administration is both a norm and a strength. Her work stands as a testament to the power of transformative leadership and the importance of fostering environments where every student can achieve their fullest potential. She resides in South Bend, Indiana with her husband and four children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and decorating.

Degrees

• 2021 Ed.D., Education in Educational Leadership, Dissertation: ‘Self-efficacy of Catholic School Principals and their Professional Learning Implications’ Chair: Laura Booker, Ed.D., Vanderbilt University
• 2017 English as a New Language Certification, University of Notre Dame
• 2015 Specialist in Educational Leadership, Columbus State University
• 2004 M.S., Elementary Education, Mercy College 
• 2002 B.A., Political Science, Spanish Language & Literature Minor, Fordham University

Publications

• Smith, J. (2021) Self-efficacy of Catholic School Principals and their Professional Learning Implications. 

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