Courtney Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, History and Political Science
Since earning a bachelor's degree in history and political science at Cabrini in 2000, Dr. Courtney Smith has returned to the College each year for the department's annual seminar. In October 2007, Smith applied for an open faculty position in the history department. A month later, when she addressed the forum on American Popular Culture and the Media, retiring professor Dr. Jolyon Girard asked if she was serious about joining the faculty. Her answer was an emphatic "Yes!"
After an extensive interview process, Smith was hired and this fall she will teach three courses: Modern European History, American Popular Culture, and Survey of U.S. History to 1865.
"I'm most excited about experiencing Cabrini from the faculty perspective," Smith says.
As a high school senior, she attended classes at Cabrini through the Archdiocesan Scholar program, which provides opportunities for talented high school students to attend college-level classes at any Catholic higher education institution in the greater Philadelphia area. Smith was not admitted to Villanova, and courses at Rosemont conflicted with her high school class schedule. She chose to enroll at Cabrini, originally her third choice, because it was closest to home.
Cabrini was a perfect fit for Smith. She immediately felt a sense of community within the small campus; she applied to begin undergraduate studies the following year, and was accepted. As a history and political science major, she thought the faculty members, particularly Dr. James Hedtke and Dr. Girard, were engaging and eager to provide a welcoming educational environment.
"There was no such thing as a stupid question in their classes," Smith, a 28-year resident of Broomall, Pa., says.
Smith continued her education at Lehigh University, earning an M.A. and Ph.D. in American history. Attending a university twice the size of Cabrini made her yearn for her alma mater's intimate atmosphere, so she regularly returned to campus for alumni events.
"I love to come back each year to see how the campus has changed," Smith says.
As for her approach to teaching, Smith says she will build on the educational methods of her former professors to develop her own unique style.
"I will use their teaching methods when I teach," she says. "I enjoyed their classes tremendously, and I want to give that experience to my students."
Contact Information:
Dr. Courtney Smith
Assistant Professor, History and Political Science
Grace Hall, Room 261
610-902-8335
courtney.michelle.smith@cabrini.edu