Three Women Who Are Stepping Down From Posts in Higher Education

Susan Day, former associate professor of urban forestry at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emerita. She first joined the Virginia Tech community in 2008. During her tenure, she made significant contributions to the field of urban forestry through her work in urban soils and tree response to soil management and site design. In the classroom, Day taught both undergraduate and graduate students in urban forest management, urban ecology, environmental site design, and plant establishment.

Dr. Day holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a master’s degree from Cornell University, and a doctorate from Virginia Tech.

Patricia White, dean of the School of Law at the University of Miami, has announced she is stepping down from her role at the end of the academic year. She has served as dean of Miami Law since June 2009. During her tenure, she launched new programs, expanded the school’s clinics, externships, and public interest programs; and supported interdisciplinary learning. Today, Miami Law has 22 joint degree programs that take advantage of the university’s interdisciplinary resources. Professor White will continuing teaching on the Miami Law faculty and serve as chair of the ABA’s Commission on the Future of Legal Education.

Professor White holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in philosophy, and a juris doctorate, all from the University of Michigan.

Joyce E. Smith, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, has announced she will retire in the summer of 2020 after the successful appointment of a new CEO. She began her career with the NACAC in 1991 as associate executive director. She was named CEO in 1996, making her the first African-American woman to serve in the position. During her tenure, the NACAC has increased membership from approximately 6,000 members in the mid-1990s to more than 15,000 members today. Additionally, since 1996, the NACAC has increased its revenue from $5.2 million to over $17 million; grew its assets from $5.8 million to more than $21 million; and grew its investments and reserves from less than $1 million to more than $12 million.

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and a master’s degree in counseling both from Kansas State University.