Alumni Spotlight - Dr. Jacquelyn Smith

Texas A&M University-Texarkana alumna Dr. Jacquelyn Smith has been learning or teaching most of her life. 

She grew up in Texarkana, graduating from Texas High in 2001. After spending 20 years devoted to dance, often “teaching” her younger cousin and friends, she found herself right at home, starting at Texarkana College before continuing her journey at A&M-Texarkana.

“I initially resisted the calling to be an educator until taking Biology Class for Teachers at T.C. and I was hooked!” she said. “As they say, the rest is history.” 

Jacquelyn graduated from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education. “Something I loved about A&M-Texarkana was the small student to teacher ratio and the fact that I felt like I was so much more than a number. When my dad passed away in 2005, I still remember each of my professors reaching out to me and checking in on me throughout my time as a student.” 

Since receiving her Bachelor’s, she’s also added a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (TAMUT 2013), Master’s in Educational Administration with Principal Certification (Lamar University 2020), and most recently a Doctorate in K-12 Leadership (Ed.D.) with Superintendent Certification (Baylor University 2024) to her teaching and learning toolbelt. “My mom jokes that I am a professional student!” Eagles, Cardinals, and Bears, Oh My! 

In her education career, Jacquelyn has taught third and fourth grades for two local school districts. She became assistant principal for Nash Elementary School in 2020 and assistant principal at Texas High School in 2024. 

Eleanore Roosevelt’s, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” has been Jacquelyn's favorite quote since high school. “I truly feel it is still applicable today. As a high school administrator that’s exactly what I encourage students to do —chase their dreams and in doing so, their future is created.”  

She does this by leading students and staff through CTE (Career and Technical Education), Leader In Me, and mentoring new staff. “I absolutely love that I get to work with students every single day. My passion is pouring into our youth and growing them as leaders as they journey into adulthood. The students are my ‘why’ every day.” 

Not only is Jacquelyn pouring into high school students and staff, but now she’s investing in future educators as an adjunct professor for TAMUT, teaching Reading 352 online. “It has been an absolute joy to be provided the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge with students who also want to be educators and who are seeking certification from my alma mater. It’s been fun finding ways to make this online class engaging and fulfilling for the students.”

Although the balancing act of work and teaching has been a learning curve, she’s finding “immense joy” in the challenge. “I look forward to teaching additional courses in the future and helping shape future educators.”

When she’s not at work, Jacquelyn can be found supporting her students at sporting events or traveling the globe with her mom and son, Gavin. “I have a love and passion for learning, so whether I’m traveling or reading, I’m always on the quest for new knowledge.”