Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D.

Oakton College President

Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., is Oakton College’s fourth president. She is dedicated to
increasing student engagement and promoting an inclusive and caring
environment for teaching and learning.

President Smith’s tenure of leadership began on July 1, 2015, following 13 years
of service as Oakton’s dean of students (2002-2004) and vice president for Student Affairs (2005-2015). Before coming to Oakton, she served in administrative roles at Northwestern University and Middlebury College (1999-2001). She’s also worked as a licensed psychologist, a license she still maintains in Illinois.

President Smith has guided Oakton into a period of unprecedented innovation while staying committed to ensuring every student has access to life-changing educational opportunities in a welcoming environment. Under President Smith’s leadership, the college recently adopted its “Vision 2030: Building Just and Thriving Communities” strategic plan, containing the strategic priorities of strengthening the student experience, advancing racial equity, and enhancing workforce readiness and community engagement.

Smith earned her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University after earning her B.A. degree from Wittenberg University.