Dean Smith came to CCSF from Santa Barbara City College where he was Dean of Academic Affairs from 1995-1998, with responsibility for three divisions: English, Fine Arts and Social Science/Communication.  In addition, he supervised Santa Barbara City College’s honors, multimedia and learning community programs.

Prior to that assignment, Smith spent 19 years on the faculty of Antelope Valley College in Northern Los Angeles County teaching theater, freshman composition, and a number of speech courses.  He also directed and produced more than 70 theater productions.  In addition, he served seven years as Academic Senate President.  In 1990, he was a recipient of the Hayward Award for Excellence in Education from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.  

Prior to his position with California community colleges, Smith taught high school English and drama.  His career in education started as a member of Teacher Corps, a program that prepared college graduates in the liberal arts for teaching in urban schools.

Smith believes, “The most fundamental strength I bring to my work as an academic administrator is my 23 years of experience as a classroom instructor.  My goal is to maintain the strength of our current instructional programs while supporting innovation in the development of new areas of study to meet our students’ needs.”

Smith completed his Ph.D. in higher education and adult learning from UCLA in 1994.  He also has an M.A. in Dramatic Arts from UC Santa Barbara and an M.A. in Education from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.