Dimitra SmithDimitra J. Smith , Ph.D., LCDCI, is a Professor and former Department Head in the Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies. She is currently the Doctoral Coordinator of the Higher Education Program at East Texas A&M University. She isalso a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor - Intern (LCDC-I). Dr. Dimitra Smith is a sought-out presenter for her experience and expertise in leadership, career fulfilment, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education and preparation. She has presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences, and events. As PI, Dr. Smith recently received a USDA grant for $500,000 to explore the experiences of underrepresented beginning farmers. She has also written and published in major peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Smith is also a children’s book author and has written a number of books focused on educating children on STEAM related careers and opportunities. She has edited and co-edited educational books on the future of higher education. Some of her co-edited books include, The Future of Black Leadership in Higher Education: Firsthand Experiences and Global Impact (2022); Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving from Denial to Acceptance (2023); Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation in the 21st Century: Emerging Research and Opportunities (2021); Preparing a STEM Workforce through Trough Career-Technical Education (2017); and Examining the Impact of Community Colleges on the Global Workforce (2015). In addition to the aforementioned co-edited books, Dr. Smith is also a published author of several children’s books. Her children’s books include The Beary STEAM-tastic Adventure; The STEAMflites Save the Day; Teele and Guba’s Exciting Escapades Through STEM; The Best STEAM Career of all Careers; Stan the Can Has No Magic: An education way to learn about the impact of alcohol use the road to recovery; Big Momma’s Treasure: Big Momma Didn’t Raise No Thug; and Domestic Violence: Smiling Faces Don’t Always Tell the Truth Read More Read Less