Dr. Tracy W. Smith is Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Appalachian State University (ASU). She is also the Faculty Fellow for Mentoring Initiatives for the College of Education. For her fellowship, Smith is working to design a developmental community model of mentorship and support for the COE. In 2017, Smith was awarded the UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award. Her research interests include mentoring and educational development in higher education, middle level education, and teacher preparation. She has had articles published in journals such as the To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development, Journal of Teacher Education, Middle School Journal, Clearing House, and Teacher Education and Practice.