Faculty Member Aims to Support Others through Ed.D. Scholarship

Jenette Smith, Ed.D., DipACLM, M.S. (’20), faculty member at Clarkson College and graduate of the Healthcare Education and Leadership (Ed.D.) program option has found a way to give back to students—through a scholarship for those earning their doctoral degree.  

“I am paying it forward, so to speak,” she says. “I am a first-generation college graduate, and words fall short in describing the extraordinary benefits I have received from my education.”

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The Dr. Jenette Smith Endowed scholarship is available to students who exhibit solid past academic achievement and are enrolled in the Ed.D. option. The scholarship aims to assist students who are earning their terminal degrees.  

A lifelong educator and student, Dr. Smith’s career in health care education includes serving in teaching and leadership positions in higher education, inclusive higher education, and nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and the elderly. Dr. Smith has devoted over 30 years to serving as an educator, ally, and advocate for individuals with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers.

During her time as a student in the Ed.D. program, Dr. Smith saw firsthand how it is designed to help students achieve their goals and finish their degree on schedule. “This is an applied research program, so throughout my doctoral program, I was able to directly apply my learning in tangible ways (research, writing, publishing, conference presentations) to benefit our community, state, nation and world,” she says.  

“Earning a doctorate requires drive, perseverance, resilience, grit, and fortitude,” she says. “I wanted to establish financial support for students wanting to strive for growth and excellence in continuing their educational journey. It is my most fervent hope that this scholarship will provide some measure of support and encouragement to our students.” 

Students enrolled in the Ed.D. option can apply for the scholarship through the annual endowed scholarship application process. Learn more about the Doctor of Healthcare Education and Leadership (Ed.D.) program option.