Charting New Horizons in Education: Miriam Smith

Miriam Smith is charting a course through the complexities of educational leadership at Belmont’s Strategic Leadership in Education program from the College of Education. Her journey is not just academic; it’s a personal mission fueled by a legacy of educational passion and a vision for the future.

A Program That Resonates

Belmont’s distinctive approach, which combines the depth of Ph.D. research with the practical application of an Ed.D., immediately resonated with Smith. “One of the main things that was very intriguing about the program was that it had an Ed.D. model and framework but had more of that research interest that a Ph.D. has,” Smith said. This blend perfectly suited her ambition to be a practitioner grounded in research.

Flexibility for the Working Professional

The program’s hybrid structure of in-person and online coursework aligned well with Smith’s professional commitments at Emory University as Assistant Director of Title IX, Education and Training. “I also liked that it both had some in-person components as well as being online," she said. This flexibility is crucial for her to maintain the balance between her studies and her demanding career.

A Foundation in Education

Smith’s educational ethos was shaped by her upbringing in a family of educators, steering her towards a career in educational psychology and college access counseling. These roles have crystallized her goal: “Eventually I want to become like AVP of student affairs or in charge of compliance at an institution.” Belmont's program, with its emphasis on leadership, is a key step in that direction.

Supportive Faculty and Cohort Diversity

The support system within the program stands out for Smith. The faculty's supportiveness and the diverse backgrounds of her peers enhance her learning experience. “It's not strictly just educators,” she said, indicating the range of professionals contributing to a richer dialogue within the program.

The Path to Transformational Leadership

For Smith and her fellow candidates, Belmont University’s program offers a comprehensive pathway to senior leadership in education. The multi-disciplinary curriculum is designed with the working professional in mind, leading to a Ph.D. that signifies not just academic achievement, but readiness to lead and innovate in the field of education.