Dr. Marcus Smith: From Scholarship Recipient to Scholarship Manager

A SMART Scholarship recipient himself, Dr. Smith was promoted to his current role as SMART Deputy Program Manager in 2023, overseeing the very program that helped to advance his career as a Department of Defense civilian engineer.

Dr. Marcus Smith stands at the forefront of the Department of Defense’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of scientific and technical leaders through the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. A SMART Scholarship recipient himself, Dr. Smith was promoted to his current role as SMART Deputy Program Manager in 2023, overseeing the very program that helped to advance his career as a Department of Defense civilian engineer. 

As the Deputy Program Manager, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the scholarship’s vision and implementation, ensuring that it attracts top talent to address the nation’s critical defense needs.

Educational Journey

Dr. Smith’s SMART journey began as a retention scholar, meaning he was awarded a SMART scholarship while already working as a Department of Defense civilian professional. Through the scholarship, he earned his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2019.  

Before joining the SMART Scholarship program, Dr. Smith worked for several years in various capacities within the Department of Defense. As reported by SMARTScholarship.org:

“He was instrumental in shaping the next Air and Space STEM strategy for the Air Force, thereby, positioning the department at the forefront of attracting and retaining diverse talent. Marcus has also held key positions at AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate. As the first Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEI&A) Officer, he developed and implemented the organization’s inaugural DEI&A action plan, fostering inclusivity within a team of over 11,000 members. His efforts have enhanced AFRL’s workplace culture and driven recruitment and development initiatives.  

Marcus’ tenure at the AFRL was also marked by serving on a team that pioneered a groundbreaking partnership with a consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), leading to the establishment of, and the 15th University Affiliated Research Center created within the Department of Defense. This initiative bridged academic and military realms, fostering a diverse talent pipeline.”

In his current role as Deputy Program Manager, Dr. Smith is responsible for overseeing the administration and strategic direction of the SMART Scholarship. This program, administered by Scholarship America, provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, facilitating their education while committing them to work for the Department of Defense after graduation. Under his leadership, the program has seen significant growth, attracting a diverse pool of applicants and expanding outreach efforts to underrepresented communities in STEM.

2024 Black Engineer of the Year Stars and Stripes Award

In 2024, Dr. Smith was honored with the 2024 Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Stars and Stripes Federal Agency Leadership Award, a prestigious national honor recognizing his impact on the world of STEM education.

“The leadership award celebrates Marcus for enhancing the Air Force’s ability to carry out its mission, providing increased opportunities for career advancement for STEM professionals, and for effectively managing a diverse workforce. Over its 19-year legacy, BEYA has nominated distinguished United States civilian and military leaders for nationally acclaimed honors. Marcus joins the ranks of esteemed individuals who have significantly contributed to the United States’ defense and technological landscape.”  

Looking Ahead

As Deputy Program Manager, Dr. Smith works to ensure the SMART Scholarship continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the Department of Defense. He is particularly focused on enhancing the scholarship’s impact in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy technologies. By aligning the program’s goals with national security priorities, he aims to prepare scholars not just as employees of the DoD but as leaders in their respective fields.

Dr. Marcus Smith’s dedication to advancing STEM education and promoting the SMART Scholarship exemplifies his commitment to national service and innovation. His leadership is crucial in shaping a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

For more information about the SMART Scholarship and its application process, visit the official SMART Scholarship website.