Kate Smith, Ed.D., serves as Rio Salado College’s sixth president. She is a deeply passionate educational leader who advocates for student success on all levels—and has a long track record of responding to student and community needs through innovative ideas, programs, and partnerships.

Smith understands the barriers nontraditional students face and is dedicated to making education affordable, accessible, and equitable for all.

Smith is also passionate about learning, mathematics, being an active member of her community, and her philanthropic work. She and her husband Dennis enjoy spending time with family, running, and hiking the Arizona trails.