Jones College is known for its outstanding faculty’s dedication and support in helping young adults take their next steps in education. One student favorite in the humanities department is Dr. Caleb Smith, a professor full of passion for teaching his chosen subjects.
Smith’s lively and enthusiastic classes allow students a good chance of succeeding in College Life, Geography and American History. His ability to make classes, which the majority of students may deem boring, entertaining, allows students to flourish in these subjects.
“I’ve never had a teacher as passionate as him about what he’s teaching,” said sophomore and American History student Jona Hennings. “He’s not only educating his students about history or geography but also inspires them to find and pursue what truly brings them joy in life.”
Smith’s passion and love for teaching grew from the age of 13 when he first realized that he had a special gift for understanding topics such as history and geography. When he attended Meridian Community College, he decided to major in education, which allowed him to begin his journey in teaching.
“I love standing in front of people and performing,” said Smith. “So, teaching and sharing my love for the social sciences was a natural fit.”
Smith keeps students interested in his classes with his dynamic personality and through the use of technology, including the use of interactive PowerPoint presentations with memes and GIFS. One example used in his class this semester is a live reenactment of the recent Stock Market crash. Smith understands that there are many different ways students learn best and makes sure to cover all learning styles.
Smith began his teaching career in adult education, teaching General Education Development courses and winning State Teacher of the Year in 2013. Before he joined the Jones faculty, he was also an adjunct professor at William Carey University where he was presented with a research award.
Due to his teaching style, Smith has received multiple Favorite Teacher awards from the past graduates of Jones for his service in the classroom. This award not only highlights educators with a sheer talent for teaching but also those who are exceptional at it.
“It makes sense why he has won favorite teacher multiple times,” said sophomore and Geography student Caroline Wilson. “He’s enthusiastic and passionate about what he does and always makes an impressionable effort when he teaches. Jones is all about going beyond, and he even exceeds that.”
Smith is not only an educator but also the head of the Jones College Faculty and Staff Association and an advisor for the Jones chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. His supervisors recognize his willingness to help students in their academic endeavours.
“Dr. Caleb Smith brings much energy and passion to the classroom and works diligently to create lectures and activities that are both engaging to students and that help them better understand the topic matter being covered,” said Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Julie Atwood. “His energy and his approachability allow him to greatly influence those around him. We are fortunate to have Dr. Smith as a faculty member within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.”
Smith said he loves to be a cheerleader for students.
“We are where we are for some reason, and I want to be part of people’s journey forward to better things and better lives,” said Smith. “Knowing that I have inspired and been an encouragement gives me so much joy. I tell folks: find what it is that you love to do and find some way to get paid doing it.”
by Andie “Boo” Mills
