Richard Smith

Richard Smith serves as the AVP for Institutional Mission & Belonging and College Chaplain at McDaniel College, where he is also an active faculty member teaching Sociology courses. His dual role bridges administrative leadership in institutional mission with direct academic engagement in critical race studies.

His educational background includes:

• 2009: Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from Temple University
• 2000: B.A. in Sociology from McDaniel College

Dr. Smith's research centers on the Sociology of race and racism, with deep focus on African American culture, Race and Justice, and Racism and Religion. His work examines how African American communities navigate racial injustice through cultural practices, religious institutions, and food traditions as forms of resistance and resilience. He critically analyzes the interplay between systemic racism and community agency, particularly in urban contexts like his native Baltimore.

His recent publications (2016-2020) reveal consistent thematic development across sociology, religious studies, and food justice. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary exploration of racial identity, with increasing attention to pedagogical approaches for discussing race in academic settings and the role of cultural practices in social transformation.

Dr. Smith has received significant recognition:

• Distinguished Scholar Award (2019)
• Multicultural Leaders' Most Valuable Faculty Award (2015)

As Faculty Advisor for the Black Student Union, he actively mentors student organizations while championing inclusive campus initiatives. Student testimonials, including one from Aisha Ghodbane '17, emphasize his transformative teaching philosophy that cultivates critical self-reflection without inducing defensiveness, enabling students to confront biases and develop greater openness.