For McDowell High alum Michael Smith, education is a lifelong journey
For Michael S. Smith, education has never been just a phase of life. It has been a lifelong journey shaped by hard work, faith and finding a sense of purpose.
Michael Smith
After graduating from McDowell High School in 1976, Smith attended UNC-Greensboro and later transferred to North Carolina A&T University.
While in college, he became active in the local church community. He was known for his music, volunteer work, and interest in theology. During this time, he began to think more deeply about his purpose in life and felt called to serve others.
After working for more than 20 years, Smith returned to school to finish his degree. He graduated summa cum laude from Shaw University, showing his commitment to academic excellence. He also received an honorary doctorate from Living Epistle Bible College in recognition of his ministry and theological studies. He credits much of his success to the steady support of his parents and three older siblings, all of whom attended college. In his family, higher education was always expected.
As a student at McDowell High School, Smith formed meaningful connections with two teachers whom he remembers fondly. Bob Yutzy, a sociology teacher who spoke honestly about difficult social issues and encouraged critical thinking. His class inspired Smith to shift his interest from journalism to sociology. Another teacher, Wanda Henline, taught French with both kindness and high standards. Because of her strong teaching, Smith found college-level French easier to manage.
Smith married his wife, Teri, on Jan. 1, 1980. Together they built a life centered on faith and family. They have two daughters, Tiffini S. Michaux and Tenise S. Bester, and seven grandchildren. He proudly says that every one of them is perfect — a sentiment his family lovingly returns to him.
While still working full time, Smith answered a new call to serve in 1997 when he became pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. For him, serving the community has always meant living out his faith through respect and compassion. Smith said, “Serving the community means treating every person as my neighbor and extending to them the dignity and respect all humans deserve. If my accomplishment comes at the expense of injuring another person, I have devalued myself in the process.”
A few years later, Smith began a new chapter in education when he joined McDowell County Schools in 2004.
His teaching philosophy was simple: Students are people first. He made an effort to learn every student’s name and understand their lives outside of school. Smith worked hard to create a safe and welcoming environment, especially for minority students who might feel overlooked. He focused on each student’s strengths and encouraged them to believe in themselves.
Smith’s service has also reached beyond his local community. In 2000, during Liberia’s second civil war, Smith traveled to Liberia and Ghana. The experience deeply impacted him. After returning home, his church sponsored three young men from Liberia. He also served on the board of directors for Equip Ministries, an organization that supports international missions through projects like drilling wells and teaching farming skills.
Today, he serves on the board of directors for Visiting Angels, founded by one of those young men, who plans to build a school in his hometown.
Although he is retired from full-time teaching, Smith remains active. He continues to pastor Mount Moriah full time, is working on a solo recording project in Atlanta, learning podcasting, and planning another trip to Liberia. For him, retirement is not the end of the journey. It is simply a new chapter in a life dedicated to learning, serving and growing.
