Dr. Kate Smith began serving as Rio Salado College’s sixth president on May 15, 2021, a role she accepted after serving as interim president since August 2018. With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Smith understands the barriers non-traditional students face and is dedicated to making education affordable, accessible and equitable for all. Community development and partnerships with other colleges and universities, industry and thought leaders to improve higher learning is a priority for her administration. Smith joined Rio Salado in 2016 as vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer. Prior to her tenure at Rio Salado she was dean of the academic foundations division at Monroe Community College, where she also served as an instructor, professor and administrator. Smith has taught high school mathematics and served as a consultant to Hobart and William Smith Colleges and local companies on college and career mathematics readiness. Smith holds a doctorate degree in community college leadership from Ferris State University, a master’s degree in mathematical education from the University of Rochester, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and German from William Smith College and was a 2020-21 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow.