Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/1361239
Donna Smith, PhD Full-Time Facult y, Department of Psychology Dr. Smith began teaching at NCU in the Ombuds Program in 2016 and transitioned to a full-time faculty role in 2021. She earned her PhD from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has served as a faculty member and graduate program administrator at various higher education institutions. At NCU, she teaches research courses and those related to trauma. Dr. Smith earned her graduate degrees as an adult, and understands many of the challenges that adult students with full-time work and family obligations face when returning to school. She often shares the story of the day she was ready to quit her PhD program, and decided to go outside to plant daffodil bulbs. By the time she had finished digging and planting, she felt refreshed and ready to continue with her studies. And each spring, when the daffodils bloom, she's reminded of the power of perseverance and taking a break when things seem overwhelming. She has worked with local first responders to educate them on the importance of understanding that trauma and disaster survivors exhibit a myriad of "normal" responses to these abnormal circumstances and, that while addressing physical needs is important, mental health needs also need to be recognized. Her research and conference presentations span many topics, such as: gender bias in combat roles, experiences of transgender individuals who transition in traditional organizations, the needs of LGBTQ adult learners, cultural conflict in the criminal justice system, challenges of re-entry for offenders with special needs, leading virtual teams, leading and socializing Millennials in multi-generational organizations, examining career trajectories of Black male educators in P-12 education, and bridging the gap between higher education and communities of practice. Dr. Smith lives in a very rural area of New Jersey with her husband and two finicky cats, who were both adopted from local pet shelters. She has traveled (pre-Covid) throughout the United States and to China, Italy, England, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, France, and Canada. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and enjoying friends and family. Faculty SPOTLIGHT