Dr. William Smith Jr. is a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, but has lived in the Phoenix, AZ, since 1981.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Western Michigan University.  He later received his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Education Administration and Supervision from Arizona State University. 

Dr. Smith has been a teacher, a principal, a Director of Special Education, and currently serves as a Director of School Safety and Security in the Alhambra School District.  He has written several articles concerning the area of African American males in special education, one the latest being:  “The Overrepresentation of Minority Students in Special Education.” 

Dr. Smith has given numerous presentations in the area of Special education, mentorship, Minority males and education, and school suspensions.  Recently he presented at the Forum for Innovative Leadership, in Memphis Tennessee, on the topic, “Unlocking the Gifts in Minority Males.”  He has served with OYLA since its inception working closely with Brother Larry Ross and the OYLA team.   He currently chairs parent workshops and provides information on a variety of areas as it pertains to adolescent males of color.

On a personal note, Dr. Smith has been married forty-one years to Petra (Chinn) Smith; they have two adult daughters, Amber and Atia, and one grandson John.