Adam A. Smith is a nationally-recognized higher education expert, motivational speaker, and author. He is known for his work leading institutional transformations that advance college access, student belonging, and institutional success through equity-driven, student-centered approaches.
A first-generation college graduate and former AmeriCorps member, Adam is deeply committed to transforming systems that block educational opportunity. His career has included leadership roles at institutions across the country, where he’s helped launch student success centers, raise retention and graduation rates, and train educators in well-being and deliberative dialogue.
Adam is the author of Multiracial Roots, Black Fruit: An Inspirational Journey of Love, Faith, and Becoming. His memoir explores the intersection of faith, identity, calling, and service to others while overcoming personal trials that led to a life filled with impact, meaning, and belonging.
He has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, and was appointed to serve as the City of Rockford’s (IL) “Education Czar” by former Mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey. Adam has served in campus-wide student success and academic advising leadership roles at the University of Kentucky, Metropolitan State University of Denver, the University of Alabama, and the University of Akron, and also has undergraduate admissions experience from his time at the University of Tennessee.
He has also served as Founding Director of the Upward Bound Program at Rock Valley College, Associate Head Football Coach, Dean of Students and Success, and adjunct faculty at Judson University. He was later appointed Director of the Mayor’s Office of Education and Life-Long Learning in Rockford, IL, and helped launch Bama’s Capstone Center for Student Success at the University of Alabama.
Adam is a gifted storyteller who speaks with warmth, wisdom, and humor. His sessions are grounded in real experience and practical tools—and he has a rare ability to connect across students, faculty, staff, and leadership. Whether addressing educational equity, campus culture, or institutional transformation, Adam inspires audiences to reimagine what's possible and lead with purpose.
Adam holds a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Concordia University and an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from National-Louis University, with additional graduate coursework at the University of Akron and the University of Alabama.
