Dr. Linda Smith is JCC’s New VP of Instruction
Published: August 27, 2019
Smith says she’s excited about the opportunity to help lead the college into the future.
Dr. Linda Smith is Johnston Community College’s new vice president of instruction.
Smith, JCC’s former associate vice president of health, wellness and human services, started her new role a week before the start of the fall semester. Needless to say, she’s been busy making sure classes get off to a great start.
“I’m very excited and look forward to the challenge,” Smith said. “I love JCC. I love the students and the employees of JCC.”
Dr. David Johnson, JCC president, said Smith will bring great vision to the college. “Linda has served JCC well for about 20 years and will make a great addition to the Administrative Council team,” he said. “Her allegiance to the college, including employees and especially students, was a driving force in making this decision.”
Smith hit the ground running and is spending quality time building relationships with campus divisions and departments.
“Instruction touches every division, as well as multiple departments,” she said. “I plan to visit each department to re-establish relationships now that I’m in a different role. I’m very excited about the opening of the Student Success Center, and I believe instruction should be there to support the center to ensure it is a home run.”
During her 20 years at JCC, Smith has served as department chair of health care technology, director of nursing education, dean of health sciences, and associate vice president of health, wellness and human services before being named vice president.
Smith says the college’s Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) committee is making strides with enrollment growth and she is excited about new initiatives such as the development of a virtual college, expanded course offerings in western Johnston County, and strengthening the Career and College Promise (CCP) program.
She also supports efforts to increase programs, hopes to implement creative scheduling, plans to review procedures to ensure the best experience for students, and wants to work collaboratively with faculty and staff.
“There will be challenges with the state budget, but I do believe we can look at strategic and creative ways of doing things to move us in the right direction,” she said. “It’s a collaborative effort and it’s going to take all of us. We have so many opportunities out there that will be rewarding for our community and our students and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Smith earned her PhD in nursing from East Carolina University; her master of science degree in nursing from Armstrong Atlantic State University; and her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Boston College.
She lives in Clayton with her husband, Harry, and their Goldendoodle, Bob. They have one grandchild and two more on the way.
Cut line: Dr. Linda Smith is JCC's new vice president of instruction.