About
Stephen Smith is a Professor of Political Science in the Department of Political Science at Winthrop University's College of Arts and Sciences, where he has served since 1990. He holds additional roles as a member of the African American Studies Committee, faculty advisor to Winthrop's Socialist Student Union, and coordinator of the William J. Blough Undergraduate Essay Contest.
His academic credentials include a Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from Stanford University, and a B.A. in Biology from Haverford College.
Smith's research critically examines urban politics, educational policy, and school desegregation with emphasis on racial dynamics and social inequality. He challenges conventional applications of 'social capital' theory while investigating antiwar movements and political theory. His influential publications include the book 'Boom for Whom? Desegregation, Education, and Development in Charlotte' (2004) and co-edited volume 'Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: School Desegregation and Resegregation in Charlotte' (2015).
His scholarly contributions have been recognized through significant honors:
- Winthrop's Distinguished Professor Award (2009)
Smith currently leads an NSF-funded study on school desegregation across five southern cities and previously served as expert witness for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in the 1999 reactivation of the landmark Swann desegregation case. His ongoing work bridges academic research with real-world policy impact through sustained engagement with student organizations and departmental initiatives.
