THE
PROVOST AND VICE
PRESIDENT
Dr. Ellen D. Smiley was born in Homer, Louisiana. At an early age she began singing and playing piano. As a young performer, she and her sister performed concerts throughout the United States and recorded several gospel selections. While in high school, she worked at the Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court Office and became the first black Deputy Clerk of Court for Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.
After graduating from Homer High School a number of universities sought Smiley because of her academic record and her musical gifts. Her parents, the late Charlie J. Smiley and the late Etta H. Smiley – both Gramblinites, encouraged her to attend Grambling State University. Smiley believes that this was one of the best decisions she ever made. She earned the baccalaureate and master’ s degrees from Grambling State University and the doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in Higher Education Administration.
She was recruited to Grambling State University to assist with the development of the Honors College in 1990, but did not transition from her job until 1991. Over the span of her career, Smiley has served in many capacities in addition to her work with the honors college. She has served as the Assistant Dean of the Honors College, Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Executive Assistant to the President. She is a member of the President’ s Executive Council, the University’ s Budget and Priorities Committee, and numerous other university committees. Dr. Smiley also served as President of the Grambling State University Faculty Senate for a number of years. In this capacity, she assisted with the establishment and dissemination of faculty merit increases and drafted the document“ The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” which assisted with the justification for building the new performing arts building, known as the Conrad Hutchinson, Jr. Performing Arts Center.
Currently, she serves as Dean of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College, Associate Professor of Education, where she teaches for the Educational Leadership Program, and Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Smiley was a member of the inaugural class of Kellogg Fellows, a program that prepares university administrators for service as university vice presidents or presidents. Her professors during the year-long Kellogg fellowship included Dr. Fred Humphries, Dr. Marie McDemmond, Dr. Portia Shields, Dr. William DeLauder, Dr. Joseph B. Johnson, and other current and former Historically Black College and University presidents.
Dr. Smiley has published book chapters, written grants, and served as a consultant and guest speaker for various educational institutions, alumni chapters, community organizations and churches. She continues to work to enhance opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Smiley is the President of the Louisiana Collegiate Honors Council( LCHC). She is married to Dr. Rory L. Bedford. They have 3 children – Joi, Prentiss, and Samantha.
Academic Viewbook Page 4