Directory Profile

Dr. Ileeia A. Smith serves as a faculty member of the Institute’s Atlanta-based State Services Unit, which conducts applied research and provides technical assistance for state agencies and other organizations.  Her career encompasses over 17 years in state government and higher education. Dr. Smith’s research within the field of gerontology has focused on the perceptions of older Americans in regards to the aging process and the impact of adult education programs to successful aging.  In her work with the Alabama Department of Senior Services, she developed federal and state grant programs supporting aging and disability resources and services across diverse populations.

Most recently, she served as the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s Director for the Office of Policy and Planning responsible for policy development, strategic planning, emergency management, and the coordination of response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Smith has provided leadership at Auburn University as the Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute supporting programming for lifelong learning through outreach and engagement. As an Associate with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, her responsibilities included institutional programmatic review and assessment of accreditation standards for distance ed programs.