Jahshua Smith

Staff

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist

• Staff

• Case Hall Room S354
• 842 Chestnut Rd
• East Lansing, MI 48825
• 517-898-4141

BIOGRAPHY

Jahshua A.K. Smith (He/Him) is a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) specialist at James Madison College. He holds a B.A. from Michigan State in broadcast journalism, having graduated from the university in 2008. A former student leader for Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience (MRULE-ICA) as well as a Minority Representative for the State News editorial board, Smith brings a long history of student advocacy on the MSU campus, alongside many years of leading youth developmental initiatives into the role.

His primary area of focus with education has been focused on closing the college attainment gap for students (particularly first-generation attendees, students from low-income households and students of color) as well as community organizing efforts designed to provide resources to underserved communities. He has received awards for his work in Lansing, helping to connect young students to programming designed to keep them immersed in the arts while providing academic enrichment. He has created partnerships on the state level, working schools in different communities throughout Michigan to help create stronger pipelines between K-12 and college.