Dr. Kevin Smith

Kevin B. Smith is a native Houstonian and a fifth-generation Texan.  He entered Texas A&M University in 1970 on an athletic scholarship and graduated with a baccalaureate degree in 1974.  He received a research assistantship from Louisiana State University where he earned a master’s degree in 1976, followed by a Ph.D. in 1979.  All of his degrees are in the discipline of sociology.  He was on the faculty of Memphis State University (now The University of Memphis) and Morehead State University in Kentucky before returning to Texas in 1981 to join the faculty of Lamar University. Smith was chair of Lamar’s Department of Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice for nine years before moving to the position of associate vice president for academic affairs. Currently, he serves as senior associate provost and professor of sociology.  Smith’s areas of professional interest include social psychology, social stratification and social-science research methods.  He has authored dozens of scholarly articles, chapters, edited works, editorials and reviews, including works in The Sociological Quarterly, Rural Sociology, Social Casework, The Journal of Social Psychology and Social Science Quarterly.   He is a popular instructor who, in 1985, received the Regents’ Merit Award for Outstanding Teaching.  He is a frequent speaker and research consultant.  In addition, he has served many community groups and organizations.  In 1993, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Association for Community Leadership.