Dr. Cheryl Smith is the Associate Professor of Counseling. She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University; a MA degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a specialization in Leadership and Coaching from Richmont Graduate University; and a BS degree in Psychology from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, where she also did post graduate work in Community Psychology.
Dr. Smith’s clinical background includes work in a wide range of clinical settings such as in-patient psychiatric hospitals, private practice, community-based programs, K-12 schools, church and para-ministries, and college counseling centers. Her academy experience includes program development, administration, clinical supervision, and online instruction/supervision.
She is a National Certified Counselor and member of the American Counseling Association, the National Career Development Association, and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. She is a master trainer and mental health facilitator with the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Dr. Smith is passionate about missions and counselor development. She has traveled internationally and served on the 2017 Rwanda delegation for the National Board of Certified Counselor-International, where she provided mental health awareness training to women and families who were victims of genocide.
Dr. Smith is called to equip the body of Christ to strengthen individuals, marriages, and families towards wellness and holistic soul care. She specializes in career counseling, marriage and family therapy, and Christian counseling / faith-based integration, with concentration on African American and Latino populations. Her research interests are growth mindset, career development, and the science of happiness.