Wendy G. Smooth

Wendy G. Smooth is a Professor (by courtesy) and Senior Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence at The Ohio State University (OSU). Her expertise spans public policy, intersectionality, and American politics, with a focus on race, gender, and electoral dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and a Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Her research examines women’s experiences in political institutions, particularly women of color in state legislatures, and the impact of public policies on marginalized communities. Notably, her book project Perceptions of Power and Influence: The Impact of Race and Gender in American State Legislatures explores power dynamics in legislative settings. She has been recognized for her doctoral work with a prestigious award from the American Political Science Association.

Dr. Smooth actively bridges academia and community engagement. She serves on the Columbus Commission on Black Girls, advocating for systemic improvements in the quality of life for Black girls in Columbus, and is a board member of Beautifully Flawed, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. Her research extends to leadership development for girls of color and community-based initiatives to empower Black women in Ohio as political candidates.

Her scholarly contributions include publications in Politics and Gender, Journal of Women Politics and Policy, and edited volumes such as Situating Intersectionality: Politics, Policy and Power. She remains affiliated with OSU’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity and contributes to the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program.