Melanie Smith

Dr. Melanie Smith serves as Chair of Teacher Education and Dean/Unit Leader at Hannibal-LaGrange University, with active collaboration through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Her leadership bridges university-based educator preparation and state educational policy implementation.

Her professional focus centers on Teacher Education and Educational Leadership, with significant contributions to Curriculum Development and Educator Preparation frameworks. Her work emphasizes practical training models for K-12 educators and alignment with Missouri's Show Me Success strategic plan.

As an academic administrator, she oversees certification pathways and professional development initiatives connecting university programs with state educational standards. Her role involves strategic oversight of teacher training accreditation and leadership development for school administrators across Missouri.