From music therapy to higher education leadership, Dr. Alexandra B. Smith’s journey since graduating from Northwest High School in 2009 is a remarkable story of exploration, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others.
A proud product of Welch Elementary, Pleasant Run Middle, and Northwest High School, Dr. Smith’s path reflects the power of curiosity and the willingness to try something new - a mindset she credits to her time in the Northwest Local School District.
“It gave me the opportunity to try different things to figure out what I liked. It’s something that I’ve carried throughout life. Try different things; you never know what you’ll end up liking that you’ve never thought about before,” she said of her NWLSD days.
After earning her undergraduate degree in music therapy from the University of Dayton in 2014, Dr. Smith began a year of service in Houston, Texas, with AmeriCorps, supporting undocumented students as they navigated college enrollment. Her passion for educational equity then led her to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where she earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and a certificate in Academic Advising.
Returning to the University of Dayton in 2017, Dr. Smith served as a Program Specialist for the Upward Bound program while simultaneously earning a certificate in Nonprofit and Community Leadership. She later achieved a major milestone by completing her Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations in 2022.
Her dissertation, titled “‘You Know We Got Yo Back Like Chiroprac-tic:’ Understanding the Role of the Advisor's Race on National Pan-Hellenic Council and National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations Students' Sense of Belonging at a Historically White Institution”, explores belonging and representation in higher education.
One of Dr. Smith's most proud accomplishments is completing her doctorate degree and joining a small group of Black women (4.4 percent) to achieve such a milestone.
Now serving as the Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Dr. Smith leads strategic initiatives, supervises staff, and oversees key programs like Accreditation, Greek Emerging Leaders (GEM), and C.L.I.M.B. (Creating Leaders Invested in Mentorship and Belonging). Her work is centered on fostering leadership, inclusion, and mentorship on campus.
Reflecting on her high school experience, Dr. Smith fondly recalls the enriching and memorable moments that helped shape her perspective.
“It doesn’t exist anymore, but I truly enjoyed my time in SHS (Senior Honors Seminar) with Mr. Knull, Gilliand, Ficker, and Davis. It truly was the highlight of my high school experience. Mrs. Dailey and Mrs. Bowling were also integral parts of my journey in high school. Plus the fun things - The Variety Show, MORP, Go Bananas, and decorating the school for Homecoming!!”
She offers heartfelt advice to current students.
“I wanted to be a pediatric dentist, I went to school to be a music therapist, and ended up working in higher education. If your plans change - let them. You never know where you’ll end up and what you’ll learn along the way. I’ve been able to experience things I would have never imagined because I decided to step outside of my comfort zone. Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable - I promise you won’t regret it.”
Outside of work, Dr. Smith is deeply involved in her community as a charter member of a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She enjoys caring for her 20-plus plants, attempting to grow her own fruits and vegetables, and baking. Though space limitations have sidelined her baby grand piano for now, her love for music still runs deep. She also delights in spending time with her new niece.
Her journey has also been enriched by global travel.
“I’ve been able to travel extensively because of the path life has taken me on (Hawaii, California, Texas, and Quito, Ecuador just to name a few). It showed me the importance of being a global citizen and has become a true passion of mine.”
Dr. Smith’s story is a shining example of what’s possible when curiosity meets courage - and the profound impact that a supportive school community can have in shaping a future of purpose.