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Russell M. Smith

Position: Professor of Geography/ Faculty Lead, Spatial Justice Studio Department: History, Politics, and Social Justice

Contact Info

Office: 113 Coltrane Hall Phone: 336-750-8822 Fax: 336-750-2647

Biography

Dr. Russell M. Smith is a Professor of Geography in the Department of History, Politics & Social Justice and the Faculty Lead for the Spatial Justice Studio at the Center for Design Innovation (SJS @ CDI).  He received his doctoral degree in Geography from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His research interests include a variety of topics related to spatial justice including: local government boundary change, urban form and the built environment and urban sustainability.  Recently, Dr. Smith has been selected as a Fulbright Specialist for his expertise and experience in urban planning.

Dr. Smith is the author of numerous research publications (20), contracted reports, and presentations. In 2018, Dr. Smith published a book titled, Municipal Incorporation Activity in the United States: Patterns, People and Procedures, which highlighted his decade long investigation into new municipalities in the united States. He is also the 2017-2018 recipient of the Cedric S. Rodney Distinguished Service Award and the 2018-2019 Bill Sheppard Master Teacher Award.  Prior to joining Winston-Salem State University, Dr. Smith was an AICP certified urban planner for a variety of local governments where he specialized in land use planning and urban redevelopment.  

Dr. Smith has made a concerted effort and had been committed to supporting a variety of projects, programs and initiatives aimed at addressing spatial justice issues on campus and in our community through his service work.  He has served as the Chair for the Alliance for Sustainable Communities within the Department of History, Politics and Social Justice, had classes participate in the development of a strategic plan for the Waughtown neighborhood and currently serves as the Vice President of the S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation.  Dr. Smith also has served his academic profession by regularly attending academic conferences and serving as the Vice President of the North Carolina Geographical Society (NCGS).

Educational Background

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Geography: Urban and Regional Economic Development and Planning, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, N.C.
  • Master of Public Affairs, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, N.C.
  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History, 1996, Elon University, Elon, N.C. Cum Laude, Rhodes Scholar Nominee

Research and Project Interests

  • Spatial (In)Justice
  • Local Government Boundary Change
  • Urban Form and Urban Sustainability
  • Community Based Participatory Research, Community Engagement, Service Learning