Jo Anne Smith
Greeneville,TN
Summary
Dynamic professional with expertise in student development and mentorship at East Tennessee State University. Enhanced academic advising processes through strategic planning and data management, boosting student success and retention. Collaborated with faculty and stakeholders to drive educational initiatives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Advisor
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
10.2018 - 03.2026
- Provide comprehensive academic advising, assisting students with degree completion planning, course selection, career development, financial aid navigation, and connections to tutoring and learning support services.
- Guided students through enrollment process, including recruitment, admissions, transfer, and readmissions, ensuring understanding of deadlines, requirements, and resources.
- Supported students in financial aid processes by reviewing aid packages, addressing outstanding balances, and guiding them through appeals and withdrawals.
- Served as liaison between students, faculty, and university departments, providing guidance to students facing academic difficulties and facilitating communication to resolve concerns.
- Monitored student progress and academic standing with Degree Works, Banner, Academic Alerts, and Early Semester Progress Reports to proactively identify and address challenges.
- Oversee graduation requirements and appeals, conducting graduation checks, assisting students with application processes, and advocating for students needing support through academic appeals.
- Collaborate with ETSU Admissions and academic departments to address specific recruitment needs, tailoring outreach strategies to attract and support diverse student populations.
- Develop strong relationships with faculty, administrators, and stakeholders at community colleges to facilitate recruitment efforts and establish articulation agreements for seamless transfer pathways.
- Recruit students by visiting regional community colleges, attending community events, and participating in speaking engagements to promote ETSU programs and opportunities.
- Facilitated student success programs in Clemmer College of Education, Office of Student Success, and Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies.
Training Specialist
TEVET LLC
Greeneville, TN
05.2018 - 09.2018
- Assessed training needs and developed instructional materials tailored to specific learning objectives.
- Designed and delivered corporate training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
- Monitored training effectiveness and implemented improvements based on participant feedback and performance outcomes.
Manager of Faculty Services
Tusculum College
Greeneville, TN
07.2013 - 05.2018
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired qualified adjunct faculty in collaboration with the Dean to meet departmental needs.
- Managed adjunct faculty scheduling, contracts, and payroll processing, ensuring compliance with departmental needs for residential and Graduate and Professional Studies programs.
- Planned and facilitated the annual adjunct faculty training workshop to enhance teaching effectiveness and policy awareness.
- Trained and oriented new adjunct faculty hires, enhancing their understanding of administrative processes, policies, and instructional resources.
- Acted as a liaison between academic departments and administrative divisions to foster collaboration and address faculty concerns.
- Coordinated operations with advisors and administrative offices across campuses, streamlining academic and student support services.
- Managed special administrative projects, including data collection and analysis, to support institutional decision-making.
- Maintained faculty and student records using Ellucian Colleague, ensuring accurate database management and reporting.
Economic Development Project Manager
Greene County Partnership
Greeneville, TN
11.2009 - 01.2011
- Engaged potential businesses by providing insights on local tax structures, demographics, and workforce availability, enabling informed decisions on relocation or expansion.
- Oversaw all aspects of prospect engagement, including meticulously organizing building tours and scheduling crucial meetings with relevant stakeholders, while acting as the primary point of contact to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
- Developed and delivered informative PowerPoint presentations to various community organizations, highlighting ongoing economic development activities and fostering local understanding and support for these initiatives.
- Took the lead in planning and executing the annual industry appreciation event, demonstrating the community's value for existing businesses and fostering stronger relationships within the local business ecosystem.
- Played a key role in identifying, attracting, and supporting the establishment of new industries within Greene County, with a direct focus on expanding the local economy, creating valuable employment opportunities for residents, and strengthening the property tax base for the county and its cities.
- Collaborated with existing businesses to address needs related to workforce development, facilitating expansion projects and implementing strategies for long-term retention in the county.
- Diligently prepared and distributed comprehensive information and data regarding the availability of suitable land parcels, existing buildings, and other facilities that could effectively support the promotion of new businesses and the growth of existing industries.
- Conducted an annual Wage & Benefits survey of local industry, providing valuable benchmarking data to help businesses remain competitive and informed about local compensation trends.
Executive Director
Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition
Monticello, Arkansas
05.2006 - 08.2008
- Drove economic development initiatives through collaboration with regional economic development offices, chambers of commerce, and civic groups.
- Forged partnerships with other economic development coalitions throughout Arkansas to enhance regional collaboration.
- Cultivated strong relationships with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials to address issues impacting the region.
- Established a broad network of contacts across local, state, and federal organizations, as well as private sector associates.
- Managed business operations of corporation, streamlining budget management, meeting logistics, public affairs, and communications.
- Represented the organization at various regional and state events, enhancing its visibility and network.
- Supported regional mayors in grant proposal development, enhancing accuracy and increasing the likelihood of funding success.
Education
Doctorate in Education - Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN12-2024
Master of Arts - Education
Tusculum College
Greeneville, TN05-2015
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN05-2013
Skills
- Academic advising
- Student development
- Student mentorship
- Student engagement
- Peer advising
- Educational development
- Training and development
- Grant writing
- Grant management
- Strategic planning
- Event recruitment
- Faculty coordination
- Data management
- Networking
Publications
- College Student's Learning Experiences During COVID-19: A Comparative Study of Traditional and Post-Traditional Students in the Appalachian Region, In Progress
- Or Nué Leaf Quilt Pattern, Smith, J. A., 2003, Needlepoint Now, 5, 6, 17-18
References
- Jeff Burleson, Ph.D., Director of Instructional & Curriculum Innovation, CVM & Associate Professor of Veterinary Education, Lincoln Memorial University, jeffrey.burleson@lmunet.edu, 423-367-8083
- Dr. Daryl A. Carter, Professor, Associate Dean of History, Director/Black American Studies, East Tennessee State University, carterda@etsu.edu, 423-439-7429
- Joni Parker, 423-431-9786, joni.b.parker@gmail.com
- Jill LeRoy-Frazier, Ph.D., Department Chair and Professor, School of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies, East Tennessee State University, leroyfra@etsu.edu, 423-439-4223
- Julie Fox-Horton, Ph.D., Professor, School of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies, East Tennessee State University, foxhorton@etsu.edu, 423-439-4223
- Thomas Hilton, Education & Social Sciences Librarian, ETSU Sherrod Library, hiltontd1@etsu.edu
- Lindsey Campbell, Online Student Specialist, ETSU Online, East Tennessee State University, campbellL1@etsu.edu, 423-439-8644
Activities And Community Involvement
Interdisciplinary Leadership Scholarship Selection Committee, 2023-present, Harley-McClaskey Leadership Studies Scholarship Committee, 2023-present, Michael and Julia Collins Scholarship Selection Committee, 2021-present, Advising Career Ladder Committee, 2021-2023, Association for Continued Higher Education, 2020-present, Census Committee, 2019-2020, Student Success and Retention Committee, 2018-2024, Advising Leads Committee, 2018-2024, Academic Advising Council, 2018-present, Student Re-entry Scholarship Committee, 2018, Greeneville High School Band Boosters, President, 2024-2025, Greeneville High School Band Boosters, 2022-present, Greeneville Middle School, GSIA Board of Directors, 2019-2020, Hal Henard Elementary School, GSIA Board of Directors, 2017-2019, YouthBuilders of Greeneville, 2013, Main Street: Greeneville, Board of Directors, President, 2013-2014, Main Street: Greeneville, Board of Directors, 2009-2014, Tennessee Economic Development Council, 2009-2010, Southeast Economic Development Council, 2009-2010
Academic Trainings
- ETSU Safe Zone Trainings, 1 and 2
- Strong Brain Institute - Fundamentals of ACES and Resilience
- Strong Brain Institute - Application of Resilience-Building Principles to Teaching in Higher Education
- Trust Betrayed: Safeguarding Your Students from Sexual Predators
- ETSU Advisor Training
- ACHE Leadership Training
Timeline
Academic Advisor
East Tennessee State University
10.2018 - 03.2026
Training Specialist
TEVET LLC
05.2018 - 09.2018
Manager of Faculty Services
Tusculum College
07.2013 - 05.2018
Economic Development Project Manager
Greene County Partnership
11.2009 - 01.2011
Executive Director
Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition
05.2006 - 08.2008
Doctorate in Education - Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
East Tennessee State University
Master of Arts - Education
Tusculum College
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
East Tennessee State University