Shelly Smith, a 39-year-old resident of Hope Mills, has been recognized as part of Fayetteville's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. This accolade is a testament to her remarkable achievements and contributions to her community. As the Provost and Vice President at Valley College, Smith is at the forefront of driving institutional change and fostering student success. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she actively mentors young athletes and volunteers in her local church.
What makes Smith's story particularly inspiring is her ability to balance her demanding professional life with her personal commitments. She is a devoted wife and mother to two daughters, and she finds time to give back to her community. Her immediate family, including her supportive husband Joshua and their two daughters McKinley Alara and McKenna Adelaide, is a source of strength and inspiration for her. Additionally, her parents, Anita Carol and Louis Edmund Wooten, have been a lifelong source of support.
Smith's role at Valley College involves strategic curriculum mapping, faculty mentorship, and implementing innovative initiatives. Her goal is to bridge the gap between traditional academia and the modern workforce, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in student accessibility and academic excellence. She believes that her role is a blend of being a visionary and a problem-solver, always driven by the question, 'How does this help our students graduate and thrive in their community?'
One of the key aspects of Smith's leadership is her commitment to mentorship and youth development. She has spent several years as a head coach at the Hope Mills Recreation Center for girls' basketball, guiding young athletes through their basketball and soccer journeys. Her involvement in her local church, where she serves as a Sunday School teacher and volunteer musician, further demonstrates her dedication to community service.
Smith's advice to others is to take things one bite at a time, a metaphor she learned from her father. This advice has helped her manage the challenges of higher education leadership and personal growth. Her biggest goal was to build a career where she could lead at a high level without losing her connection to her family and community, and she has achieved this by being incredibly intentional with her time.
If she weren't in her current profession, Smith would likely have been drawn to the nursing profession due to its depth and constant challenge. She finds fulfillment in coaching youth sports and staying active in her church, and her favorite song, 'Your Way's Better' by Forrest Frank, always shifts her mood and reminds her to keep a perspective of gratitude.
In conclusion, Shelly Smith's story is a testament to the power of balance and dedication. Her ability to lead at a high level while staying connected to her family and community is inspiring. As she continues to make a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom, her story serves as a reminder that success is not just about achievements but also about the relationships and contributions we make along the way.
