“Our young people deserve a future and I consider it the mandate of my ancestors to be part of the struggle to ensure that they have one.” This statement by Assata Shakur is the foundation of Dr. Kerri-Ann M. Smith’s commitment to serving the youth of the African and Caribbean Diaspora.
Born in Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica, Smith showed high academic prowess at a young age.
Having skipped both first and sixth grades, she is no stranger to being the youngest member of many groups to which she belongs.
Needless to say, she never let her age deter her from leadership or from high academic achievement.
Prior to immigrating to the United States in 1993, Smith attended Manning’s School, where she learned that “Vita sine litteris mors est” or “Life without learning is death.” Thus, it is no surprise that this academician is the youngest member in the Department of Academic Literacy at Queensborough Community College.
Dr. Smith began her career as a part of the fifth cohort of New York City Teaching Fellows (2002).
She earned her B.A. in English Literature and Africana Studies, along with a certificate in Latin America and Caribbean Area Studies (LACAS) from Binghamton University, an M.A. in English Education at Brooklyn College, and her doctorate in Educational Theory and Practice from Binghamton University (2012).
She was named a New York Times Teacher Who Makes a Difference and was the recipient of an award for excellence in teaching at Binghamton University. She was born to teach, and takes great pride in the influence she has as an educator.
HOME COUNTRY:
Jamaica
EDUCATION:
Binghamton University (English & Africana Studies) Bachelor of Arts (2002);
Brooklyn College (English Education), Master of Arts (2005)
Binghamton University, Doctor of Education (2012)
OCCUPATION:
Assistant professor Binghamton University
PERSON I ADMIRE MOST:
Brother Lt. Kaion R.B. Smith (USAF) for his valor and his ability to motivate others.
FAMOUS QUOTE:
“Our young people deserve a future and I consider it the mandate of my ancestors to be part of the struggle to ensure that they have one.”
