Benny Smith

Benny Smith serves as Executive Director of Communications and an Adjunct Professor at Western Carolina University (WCU). His work emphasizes mentorship, particularly as a Black male educator challenging stereotypes through teaching and community engagement. He has impacted over 35 students across disciplines, including fashion design, education, and social media, advocating for inclusive narratives.

Reflecting on his journey, Smith highlights formative influences such as his aunt’s early literacy support, mentorship from Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy (who encouraged his master’s degree in public relations), and the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He emphasizes using his platform to address systemic racism and amplify underrepresented voices, as exemplified by his participation in WCU’s ‘The Black Fantastic’ initiative celebrating Black excellence.

While no formal grants or labs are detailed, his teaching philosophy centers on personal authenticity to inspire students toward transformative community impact.