Markus Smith

Dr. Smith has been a full-time professor of political science at Oklahoma City Community College since 2004. He began his teaching career in 2002 as a lecturer professor and adjunct professor of political science at the University of Central Oklahoma where he taught until 2019. His education background is as follows: Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and a M.Ed. in Education, University of Oklahoma; M.A. and B.A. in Political Science, University of Central Oklahoma; and an A.A. in Political Science, Oklahoma City Community College.

Dr. Smith has also received various local and national awards for teaching that include: Outstanding Educator, Jeanine Rainbolt College of Education, University of Oklahoma; President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, Oklahoma City Community College; Award for Teaching, American Association of University Professors, University of Central Oklahoma Chapter; Dignitary Award for Education in Business Development, Teacher’s Appreciation Foundation; Great Ideas for Teaching (G.I.F.T.) Award, Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges.

Dr. Smith is also the Founder/CEO of a multi-million-dollar real estate business that he started in 2015. His real estate business has given thousands of dollars back into the community in the form of scholarships, school supplies, clothes, food, and so much more. His real estate business was the first corporate sponsor to donate 16,000 meals to the food pantry at Oklahoma City Community College. In December of 2023, he was awarded the “President’s Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Office of the President of the U.S. and signed by Joe Biden for his 25 years of community service.

Dr. Smith is a highly sought-after motivational and keynote speaker who travels across the U.S., addressing a wide range of diverse audiences in both business and academic settings. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming the hardships of growing up in poverty and living in some of the most violent neighborhoods, surrounded by gangs, drugs, and crime, he shares his personal journey to inspire, motivate, and empower others to overcome their own challenges and achieve their fullest potential.

Dr. Smith is deeply passionate about teaching and is committed to helping students make informed decisions while reaching their full potential. His dedication goes beyond the classroom, fostering a supportive environment where students feel like part of a close-knit community and family. This unique approach not only inspires students to excel academically but also shapes them into some of the brightest and most successful individuals on campus, who continue to thrive at the university level and beyond.

Courses Taught:

POL 1113 American Federal Government

POL 2003 Religion and Politics in America

POL 2213 Contemporary Issues in American Politics

POL 2613 Scope and Methods of Political Science (capstone course)

POL 2623 Introduction to Political theory

Education:

Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts, 2013 – present
Post-Graduate Studies, Continuing Education, and Professional Development: “Justice – Ethical Reasoning” (Certificate of Completion); “Managing Yourself and Leading Others” (Certificate of Completion); “Unlocking the Immunity to Change: A Personal Approach to Personal Improvement” (Certificate of Completion); “Saving Schools: History, Politics, and Policy in U.S. Education” (Certificate of Completion).

University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, 2011
Areas of Specialization: Educational Studies; Democracy and Education; Social Issues in Public Policy, Phenomenology; Sociology of Education; Social Justice; and Human Relations
Dissertation: “Impacts of Homicide and Death Penalty Experiences: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach.”

University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Political Science (2004-2009; withdrew from the program)
Fields of Study: Public Policy; Public Administration; and American Government (completed all coursework)
Dissertation Idea: “Does Retribution Cast a Shadow Over Justice?”

Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Certificate in Graduate Theological Studies (C.G.T.S.), 2013
Fields of Study: Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and History of Christianity

University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 2011
Master of Education (M.Ed.), Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Fields of Study: Educational Studies; Philosophy of Education; and History of Education

University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma
Master of Arts (M.A.) “With Honors”, Political Science, 2004
Fields of Study: Public Policy and Public Administration
Minor: Criminal Justice
Master’s Thesis: “Capital Punishment on Trial: The Issues of Cost, Deterrence, and Race.”

University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science, 2002
Fields of Study: Public Policy and Public Administration
Minor: Criminal Justice
Capstone Paper: “Aspects of Democracy Influencing Cuba.”

Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Associate of Arts (A.A.), Political Science (Pre-Law), 2001

High School Diploma, 1989
Southeast High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Honors and Awards:

Outstanding Educator Award, Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, University of Oklahoma, 2015

Great Ideas for Teaching (G.I.F.T.) Award, Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges, 2013

Professor Book Award, presented by Johnnie Eargle Cadieux Professor of Hebrew Bible, Dr. Lisa Davison, Phillips Theological Seminary, 2013

“Award for Teaching,” American Association of University Professors, University of Central Oklahoma Chapter, 2013

Nominee for the “President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, Oklahoma City Community College, 2013, 2007

Certificate of Recognition, “Doctor of Philosophy, University of Oklahoma,” Oklahoma City Community College, 2012

Certificate of Recognition, “Political Science Program Review,” Oklahoma City Community College, 2012

Oklahoma City Community College Alumni Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City Community College, 2011

Gamma Beta Phi Society Honor Society, University of Oklahoma, 2008

Sigma Alpha Lambda – National Leadership and Honor Society, University of Central Oklahoma, 2007

Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

Political Science Department’s Outstanding Graduate Student Award, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

John & Eleanor Kirkpatrick Student Leadership & Public Service Award, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Graduate Student, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

Pi Sigma Alpha – “National Best Chapter Award”, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

Multicultural Student Services Academic Achievement Award, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

Political Science Student Leadership Award, University of Central Oklahoma, 2003

American Political Science Association Award (APSA), University of Central Oklahoma, 2003

Golden Key International Honour Society, University of Central Oklahoma, 2002

Certificate of Achievement: Faculty Association Scholarship, Oklahoma City Community College, 2001

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society), University of Central Oklahoma, 2001

National Dean’s List, Oklahoma City Community College, 2001, 2000, 1999

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Oklahoma City Community College, 1999

Miscellaneous Awards:

Cambridge Who’s Who Registry Among Executives and Professionals in the field of Education and Research in Oklahoma, 2010, 2009

Outstanding Tournament Committee Member, USA Taekwondo, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 2005

Instructor of the Year, Poos Taekwondo, Edmond, Oklahoma, 2000

Academic Appointments:

Chair, Department of Political Science (2008 – 2014)
Oklahoma City Community College (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Professor of Political Science (2006 – present)
Oklahoma City Community College (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Lecturer Professor of Political Science (2004)
University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma)

Adjunct Professor (2004 – 2006)
Oklahoma City Community College (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Adjunct Professor (2003 – present)
University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma)

Graduate/Teaching Assistant (2003 – 2004)
University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma)

Other Non-Teaching Academic Appointment:

Advisory Board Member, 2015 – present 

• University of Central Oklahoma’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program

Advisory Board Member, 2014 – present

• Oklahoma City Public Schools: High School Career Academy Advisory Board Member for Douglass High School’s Academy of Law and Public Safety.
  

Research Assistant, 2010

Senator Debbe Leftwich at the Oklahoma State Legislature

• Conducting research on the viability of the Batterer’s programs sponsored by the Attorney General’s office. 

Internship Coordinator, 2010

Senator Debbe Leftwich at the Oklahoma State Legislature

• Assist interns in researching and analyzing proposed legislation for the upcoming session. 

Research Assistant, 2008

Dr. Susan Sharp (L.J. Semrod Presidential Professor) at the University of Oklahoma

• “Oklahoma Incarcerated Women and Their Children 2008 study.”

Reviewer

• Writing in Political Science: A Brief Guide, Oxford University Press, 2015
• Scott and Garrison. American Government: Reading and Writing Politics. Paradigm Publishers, 2013
• McGraw-Hill Publications. Textbooks in American Federal Government, 2008
• “E-Government: Trends at the Grass Roots.” Oklahoma Politics, 2007

Publications:

Smith, M. (2014). “Higher Education Policy in Oklahoma.” Oklahoma Government & Politics (6th Ed.). IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. Co-authored with E. Overman.

Smith, M. (2013). “The Allegory of the Cave.” Great Ideas for Teaching Anthology (Fall 2013). Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges.

Smith, M. (2012). Impacts of Homicide and Death Penalty Experiences: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach. UK: Lambert Academic Publications.

Smith, M. (2012). “Impacts of Homicide and Death Penalty Experiences: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach.” Internet Journal of Criminology, April. Access: http://www.internetjournalofcriminology.com/Smith_Impacts_of_Homicide_and_Death_Penalty_Experiences_IJC_April_2012.pdf

Smith, M. (2012). “Public Policy.” Oklahoma Government & Politics (5^th Ed.). IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. Co-authored with Dana Glencross.

Smith, M. (2008). “Public Policy.” Oklahoma Government & Politics (4th Ed.). IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. Co-authored with Dana Glencross.

Smith, M. “Capital Punishment on Trial: The Issues of Cost, Deterrence, and Race.” Paper presented at the annual meeting of The Midwest Political Science Association, Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, Illinois, April 07, 2005.

Smith, M. (2004). “Capital Punishment on Trial in Oklahoma.” New Plains Review, Volume 4, No. 2.

Smith, M. (2004). “An Analysis of the Death Penalty in the State of Oklahoma.” The Criminal Justice Student Writer’s Manual. NJ: Pearson Education/Prentice Hall.

Smith, M. “Race, Religion, and the Death Penalty” (work in progress).

Smith, M. “A Voting Propensity Study: Does Education Really Matter?” (work in progress).

Presentations, Lectures, Etc.:

Invited Lecture “Hermeneutic Phenomenology: Homicide and Death Penalty Experiences.” Presented in EDS 6933 Naturalistic and Qualitative Research in Education at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, (Fall), 2013.

Presenter Great Ideas For Teaching (G.I.F.T.):“The Allegory of the Cave.” Presented at the 46^th Annual Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) Conference, October 2–4, 2013.

Invited Lecture “The History of Capital Punishment.” Presented to the Introduction to Sociology class at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, (Spring and Fall), 2013-2009.

Invited Lecture “Crash Course in Phenomenology and How It Was Applied.” Presented in EDS 6933 Naturalistic and Qualitative Research in Education at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, (Fall), 2012.

Panel Discussant “Life After LA.” 22nd Annual Spring Symposium at University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, (Fall) 2010.

Moderator (2010, 2009). “Capstone Presentations.” (Fall/Spring). Presentations from the Scope and Methods of Political Science capstone course at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Moderator “Healthcare Policy in America.” (Fall). Debate in the Contemporary Issues in American Politics course at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, (Spring), 2009.

Invited Speaker “Persevering Through Adversity.” Presented to the Career Transitions Program at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, (Fall), 2009.

Presenter/Participant “Spring 2009 Advancing the Success of Students at OCCC.” Presented at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, (Spring), 2009.

Debate Participant “The Great Debate Over the Death Penalty.” Presented at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, (Spring), 2009.

Invited Speaker “2008 Presidential Candidates.” Presented at Western Village Academy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, (Fall), 2008.

Keynote Speaker “Leadership.” Presented to the TLC (The Leadership Council) at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 2008.

Workshop Facilitator “Stimulating Critical Thinking and Inquiry.” Presented at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 2007.

Session Facilitator (2002 – 2007). “Moot Court.” POL 2223 Introduction to Law, Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Workshop Facilitator/Presenter “Campaign Picks in ’06.” Presented as a WOW Session at Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 2006.

Focus Group Facilitator “Professor Engagement in the Classroom.” University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, 2004.

Panel Chairperson “Capital Punishment,” “Same Sex Marriage,” “The Patriot Act,” “Affirmative Action,” “The War in Iraq,” and “Legalization of Marijuana.” Presented at the“University of Central Oklahoma’s #15 and #16 Liberal Arts Symposium,” Edmond, Oklahoma, 2004.

Panel Discussant “Legalization of Drugs.” Presented at the “University of Central Oklahoma’s #15 Liberal Arts Symposium,” Edmond, Oklahoma, 2003.

Invited Lecture “Police Brutality.” Presented to the CJ 1413 Administration of Justice class at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, 2003.

Invited Lecture “Types of Management.” Presented to the POL 2000 Leadership Development class at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, 2003.

Workshop Facilitator “Internet Research Workshop.” Presented to the POL 1113 American National Government class at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, 2003.

Invited Lecture “Social Equity and Affirmative Action.” Presented to the POL 2413 Introduction to Public Administration class at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, 2003.

Invited Lecture“Administrative Responsibility.” Presented to the POL 4253 Ethics in Public Service class at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, 2003.

Committees and Related Activities:

Political Science Search and Hiring Committee, Chair, 2013, 2010, 2009

Grade Appeal Committee, Chair, 2013 –

Academic Scholarship Committee, 2012 – present

Academic Integrity Committee, 2012, 2011

Supervisor, Political Science Department Work Study, 2011 – 2013

Curriculum Committee, 2011, 2010

At-Risk Task Force, 2011, 2010

Social Science Division Building Committee, 2010

Geography Search and Hiring Committee, Chair, 2009

Academic Outcomes Assessment Subgroup, 2010, 2009

Assessment Team for the Gen. Ed. Committee, 2008

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Reaccreditation Process Committee, 2008

Achieving the Dream Strategy Team, 2008

Geography Search and Hiring Committee, 2008

Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Search Committee, 2008

Culture of Wellness Committee, 2008

Diversity Task Force Committee, 2008

Tutor for the World Cultural Languages Center, 2008

Supervisor, Supplemental Instructor, 2007 – present

Academic Advisor, 2006 – present

Faculty Mentor, 2006 – present

Grade Appeal Committee, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

Student Grievance Committee, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

Student Technology Fee Committee, University of Central Oklahoma, 2004

Conferences/Professional Development/Assessment:

Harvard University Division of Continuing Education – “Managing Yourself and Leading Others,” 2013

Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

• Designed for practicing managers, this program focused on the practical understanding and application of management principles. The program taught the fundamentals of management from different angles, such as managing oneself, organizational life, and others. Topics covered: emotional intelligence, styles and preferences, culture, hierarchy, and influence and persuasion.

Educators’ Leadership Academy – “Higher Education Department Chair Academy,” 2013

University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma

• The objectives of the Academy were to: Learn strategies for bridging the divide between faculty and administration; Analyze effective hiring and scheduling methodologies and apply them to their role as a department chair/school director; Correlate the relationship between effective planning and effective budgeting; Analyze their use of time, apply strategies that improve time management abilities, and appreciate the impact this has on reducing their own stress levels/increasing their effectiveness; Discuss techniques of conducting and writing an effective performance evaluation; Outline proven techniques for handling difficult conversations; writing effective reports, emails and memos; and communicating clearly with others; Analyze their department’s/school’s techniques for leading within that culture; and Describe the relationship of and develop the skills necessary to, coach and mentor faculty to meet departmental goals.

Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) 46^th Annual Conference – “Journey to Success.” October 2–4, 2013

Midwest City, Oklahoma

• The Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges supports Oklahoma’s Community Colleges by providing professional development opportunities, advocacy, and connections with key stakeholders to improve higher education in the state. Attended sessions included:

“Understanding, Teaching, and Serving Today’s Student” by Keynote Speaker Dr. Mark Taylor

“Doing things better than you can do by yourself” by Stan Greil & Steven Bloomberg.

“Methods and Techniques in Teaching Today’s Learners” by Dr. Mark Taylor. 

Leadership OCCC Class VI, 2013

Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Leadership OCCC is made up of college employees eager to be effective leaders by increasing their knowledge, skills and abilities in essential management experience and by familiarizing themselves with the OCCC community.

Political Science Program Review, 2012

Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Responsible for preparing, and presenting the Program Review to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Felix Aquino.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois, April, 2011

• Invited to attend the conference with Greg Gardner, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma City Community College. Attended sessions included:

“Assessing General Education Outcomes in a Small Community College Environment” by Theresa Leiphon and Kory Boehmer.

“Killer Courses: Identifying and Understanding Roadblocks to First-Year Academic Success” by Griffin Barefoot.

“Assessing General Education with Student Portfolios: Making the Connection” by Donna Hastings, Kim Lovinski, and Beth Timmons.

“Utilizing a Campus-Wide Student Success Team to Improve Student Retention and Satisfaction” by Charles Gulas and Jennifer McCluskey.

Developed the Political Science Department’s Webpage, 2009

Oklahoma City Community College

Political Science 5-Year Report and Plan for Outcome Assessment, 2007 – present

Oklahoma City Community College

• Responsible for preparing the document for submission to the dean, Dr. Susan Tabor.
• Continue to be involved in the yearly submission of the Report and Plan.

Course Development:

Developed Religion and Politics in America course, 2012

Developed a graduate-level course: The First Amendment Goes to School for the University of Oklahoma’s College of Education, 2009

Developed Scope and Methods of Political Science capstone course, 2007

Developed Contemporary Issues in American Politics course, 2006

Academic Affiliations:

Founder and Advisor, Political Science Association (PSA), 2010 – present

Gamma Beta Phi Society Honor Society, University of Oklahoma, 2008

Advisor, College Republicans, 2006 – present

Advisor, Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honor Society, 2003 – 2007

President of Communications, Golden Key International Honour Society, 2002

President, Pi Sigma Alpha, Sigma MU Chapter, 2002

Vice President, Pi Sigma Alpha, 2001

Member, Phi Theta Kappa, 1999

Other Professional and Administrative Experience:

Assistant Certified Instructor (2000 – present)
Poos Taekwondo/Olympic Sport, Edmond, Oklahoma

Restaurant General Manager/Area Manager (1993 – 2000)
Pizza Hut, Inc.

Retail Marketing Manager (1989 – 1993)
Conoco, Inc.

Professional Organizations:

American Political Science Association

United States Taekwondo Union Tournament Committee

Civic and Community Involvement:

Organizer “School Supplies Drive for Willowbrook Elementary.” May, 2013.

• With assistance from my students, we collected much needed schools supplies for an elementary public school located in the Oklahoma City Public School District. This elementary school is located within a very impoverished community, where most of the students and their parents receive some type of social services and benefits from the state. The donations that we collected assisted many of the teachers who were spending their own resources in purchasing these items, as the school itself and many of the parents simply lacked the resources to purchase the school supplies themselves.

MentorWillow Brook Elementary. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, December, 2012.

• Mentored some of the first graders at the school who simply needed a role model in their lives. Most of the children came from broken homes and lived under impoverished conditions. As someone who grew up impoverished myself, I can relate to these children and tried to give them hope for the future. I would often bring them educational toys, coloring books, games, etc.

Organizer“Adopt a Family for the Holidays Toy Drive.” December, 2012.

• My students and I adopted five families in need of toys for Christmas. We were able to get retailers like Wal-Mart and Target to participate in the toy drive as well. The remaining toys were simply donated to Toys for Tots in Oklahoma City.

OrganizerOCCC Political Science Capstone “Teacher’s Warehouse Drive.” May, 2012.

• My capstone students and I raised over 7500 reams of copy paper for The Foundation Teacher’s Warehouse. The Warehouse provides educators in Oklahoma City Public Schools the opportunity to receive free school supplies based on a first come, first serve basis. The Warehouse operates on donations only. News Channel 4 did a web story in order to promote our cause.

Organizer OCCC Political Science Capstone “Adopt a Family for the Holidays Toy Drive.” December, 2011.

• My capstone students and I adopted some families in need of toys for Christmas. I turned the capstone students’ presentations of their final research papers into a venue for all to attend. Not only could attendees listen to amazing presentations, but the attendees were also asked to bring and donate toys for our cause as well. The remaining toys that were simply donated to Toys for Tots in Oklahoma City.

  Organizer OCCC Political Science Capstone “School Supply Drive for Hillsdale Elementary” in Oklahoma City. May, 2011.

• The venue for the capstone student presentations was used as a drop-off for school supplies for an elementary school in need of these materials.

Organizer OCCC Political Science Capstone “Food Drive for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.” December 2010, May 2010, December 2009, May 2009.

• The venue for the capstone student presentations was used as a drop-off for non-perishable food, which would be donated to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

Mentor Oklahoma Juvenile Detention Center, 2007.

• I was asked to come and speak to a group of juveniles who had been incarcerated at the facility. I went on to mentor some of them after their release from custody.

Mentor Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA), 2005.

• I was asked to come and speak with some of the juveniles who were in the custody of OJA.