Vernon Smith
School of Education
Expert Bio
Vernon G. Smith is a professor of education at Indiana University Northwest, where he has won every teaching award offered on the campus. He has served as the interim dean of the campus’s School of Education and serves in a wide variety of community leadership positions. Among them, he is the founder and board chairman of the African American Achievers Youth Corps Inc. and founder and president of the IU Dons Inc.
He is the author of multiple refereed journal articles and several books, including “Against All Odds: The Power of the Tongue” and “Creating Excellence: Becoming an A+ School.” He is the recipient of more than 200 awards and citations. Smith’s professional background includes experience at several public schools in Gary. He was the principal of Williams School from 1985 to 1992, principal of Nobel School from 1978 to 1985 and assistant principal of Ivanhoe School from 1972 to 1978. Smith taught in Gary Public Schools between 1966 and 1971.
He graduated from Froebel High School and earned his bachelor of science, master of science and doctorate in education degrees from Indiana University; he has undertaken postdoctoral work at Indiana University and Purdue University.
Areas of Expertise
Educational leadership, school administration, science education, plight of the African American male, teaching black males, engaging parents, self-esteem, school improvement plans, math education.