[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 63 (Friday, April 12, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. GLORIA SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2024

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a trailblazing 
member of the Michigan State University community: Dr. Gloria Smith. 
Her lifelong dedication to education, advocacy, and service has left an 
indelible mark on the university and beyond.
  After earning her doctorate from the University of Massachusetts in 
1971, Dr. Smith's journey brought her to Michigan State University 
where she joined the faculty of the Department of Education. Throughout 
her tenure at MSU, Dr. Smith distinguished herself as a trailblazer and 
champion of equity, especially for women of color.
  Her footprint at MSU is immeasurable. In 1972, she played a pivotal 
role as a member of the steering committee for the Black Women 
Employees Association of MSU, where she passionately advocated for the 
hiring of more Black women professors. Her achievements, including 
becoming the first Black woman to attain full professorship at MSU and 
being recognized on the university's Distinguished Wall of Professors, 
serve as a testament to her contributions and enduring influence.
  She lent her leadership and expertise as she served as the Director 
of African American and African Studies, as a member on the MSU 
Athletic Board, and on the university's presidential search committee. 
In 2007, Dr. Smith retired from MSU as professor emeritus in the 
Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special 
Education.
  Dr. Smith's incredible legacy extends beyond the classroom. She was 
the first Black President of the Michigan Counseling Psychology and 
Supervision Professional Organization. She has also been a proud member 
of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first intercollegiate historically African 
American sorority, since 1958. She served as the organization's 18th 
Great Lakes Regional Director and has truly embodied her sisterhood's 
mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical 
standards and to be of service to all mankind.
  Dr. Smith continues to show her commitment to education and serving 
others as a member of her local chapter of the Links, Incorporated, an 
organization dedicated to promoting quality education, civic 
responsibility, and enhancing the quality of life of their communities. 
She is also a cherished member of her church, The Friendship Baptist 
Church, where she lives their cote value of serving without restraint.
  With profound gratitude for her extraordinary contributions to 
Michigan State University and her lifelong mission to uplift her 
community, it is my honor to recognize her service here, in the 
People's House.