The University of Arkansas at Hope-Texarkana recently named Christopher Smith as the 2017 Outstanding Alumnus.
Smith coordinates special programs and is special assistant to the president at Philander Smith College in Little Rock. He is a 2006 graduate of Hope High School and a 2008 graduate of UA-Hope, where he earned an Associate of Arts. After graduation, he served as a summer congressional intern in Washington, D.C.
In 2010, Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UA-Little Rock, where he served as student body president. He also earned a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University in 2014.
At UA-Little Rock, he was student body president and also created "Reach 12,000," a non-perishable food drive for students to donate at least one food item.
Smith has volunteered with various organizations, including Upward Basketball. He also is the founder and CEO of The Uplifting Journey, a nonprofit organization that promotes optimism.
Smith is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. He also serves as a commissioner on the City of Little Rock's Board of Adjustment.