Biography

Dr. Smith began his career as a special education teacher, serving students in Arkansas and Tennessee for 13 years. In addition to his academic and teaching roles, Dr. Smith is actively involved in professional service and advocacy. He serves on the Disability Rights Resource Training Cadre for the National Education Association, the NEA Board of Directors, and the Tennessee Education Association Board of Directors. He also serves as Area Director for Upper West Tennessee Special Olympics, representing more than 400 Special Olympians. In 2025, Dr. Smith and Will Gibson (UTM ARC) were awarded a $387,000 grant to launch the SAIL (Skyhawks Achieving Independent Living) program—a post-secondary initiative designed to empower students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program integrates academic development, inclusive college experiences, and practical life skills to promote independence, employability, and self-efficacy.

Education

  • Ed.D in Instruction & Curriculum Leadership, Concentration Applied Behavior Analysis (2010), University of Memphis
  • MS in Instruction & Curriculum Leadership, Concentration Special Education (2006), University of Memphis
  • MA in Religion and Education, (1995), Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
  • BSE in Social Science Education, (1990), Arkansas State University

Awards & Recognitions

  • UT System President's Award, United and Connected, 2023
  • Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education Master Teacher of Honor
  • Tennessee Education Association Distinguished Educator Award for Higher Education
  • Tennessee Higher Education Commission Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award

Courses Taught

  • SPED 460/660 Behavior Interventions and Strategies
  • SPED 300 Children with Exceptionalities
  • SPED 780 Exceptional Students and Strategies for Differentiated Instruction
  • SPED 730 Current Trends in Special Education
  • SPED 725 Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education

Selected Publications, Articles & Presentations

  • Smith, C. (March, 2022). Special Educator Teacher Leaders. In The Power of Teacher Leaders: Their Roles, Influence, and Impact, 2nd edition, Bond, N. (ed.).
  • Smith, C. (2020). Challenges and opportunities for teaching students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Perspectives in Higher Education, 5(1), 167-173.
  • Smith, C., Casey, L. B., Williamson, R. L., and Elswick, S. (2017). Investigating the symptoms of traumatic stress in fathers of children diagnosed with autism, DADD Online Journal, 4(1), 190-202.
  • Smith, C., Bicard, D.F., Bicard, S., & Casey, L.B. (2013). The effects of an interdependent group-oriented contingency and performance feedback on the praise statements of pre-service teachers during a summer day camp for children with disabilities. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 8(2), 14-16.
Areas of Expertise
Applied Behavior Analysis
Autism
Special Education
Behavior Management
Universal Design for Learning
Departments
Department of Educational Studies
Office
240K Gooch Hall