Jerry Smartt

Dr. Jerry Smartt serves as Professor of Spanish and Director of Foreign Languages at Friends University, where she has taught continuously since 1975. Her leadership extends to statewide advocacy as former president of the Kansas World Language Association and active roles in Wichita's cultural diplomacy initiatives.

Her educational foundation includes a B.A. from the University of Texas and advanced degrees (M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.) from Wichita State University, supplemented by studies at Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey (Mexico) and the University of Madrid.

• B.A., University of Texas
• M.Ed., Wichita State University
• M.A., Wichita State University
• Ph.D., Wichita State University

Dr. Smartt's research focuses on Spanish linguistics and Hispanic cultural exchange, evidenced by international presentations in Havana, Granada, and major U.S. cities. Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical language education and cross-cultural communication, particularly in Latin American contexts.

Scientific Awards

• Leadership in Diversity Award (2017)
• Advisor to Kappa Phi Chapter (2017-2018)
• Leadership in Language Award (2019)
• Innovation Award (2019)

As an academic advisor, she guided the Kappa Phi chapter while simultaneously influencing policy through statewide language education advocacy. Her institutional leadership as Foreign Languages Director has secured Friends University's role in regional language initiatives without documented external grants.

Community engagement defines her professional identity: she chairs the Mexico Committee for Tlalnepantla and Cancun on the Wichita Area Sister Cities Board (serving three terms as board president), acts as official translator for Wichita mayors and City Council, and contributes to the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.