Professor and Dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego
Kimberly A. White-Smith, Ed.D., serves as professor and dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) at the University of San Diego. She stands as a beacon of transformative educational leadership. With over two decades dedicated to enhancing urban schooling, nonprofit management, and community partnerships, her commitment to academic and community justice for marginalized people shines through innovative learning environments and practices. A prolific author, her works delve deeply into teacher and student learning, equity, and the nuanced experiences of Black women higher education leaders.
At the helm of SOLES, Dr. White-Smith's strategic insight has catalyzed the procurement of substantial grants, nurturing projects like the Black InGenius Initiative (BiGI) and early childhood program development. Her stewardship in the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) 2.0 exemplifies her dedication to fostering partnerships that uplift vulnerable student populations. This dedication extends beyond academia, manifesting in her 2023 honor as one of the top 50 Black Leaders of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal and the Black Chamber of Commerce.
A vanguard in the field, Dr. White-Smith's influence pervades national educational discourse. Her roles with the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the California Council on Teacher Education, coupled with her directorship at WestEd, underscore her profound impact on educational policy and practice. Recognized for her community engagement and as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious AACTE Edward C. Pomeroy Award, her leadership continually sets new benchmarks in the educational landscape.
Dr. White-Smith's expertise in nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, and innovation positions her as a luminary driving systemic change. Her advocacy for neurodiversity and commitment to nurturing inclusive spaces for all learners underscore her visionary approach. Dr. White-Smith’s dynamic leadership enriches educational discourse and shapes the fabric of future learning environments, embodying the essence of transformative and impactful change.
