Educator & Administrator (Retired)
Mrs. Smith currently serves as co-chair of the University's Capital Campaign Committee, a $30 million dollar fund raising initiative. In 2003, she was inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Opal Johnson Smith is an alumna of Prairie View A&M University where she earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. She later studied at the University of Wisconsin and New York State University. While pursuing advanced studies, Mrs. Smith was supported by National Science Foundation Grants. She earned the Masters Degree in education from Texas Woman's University. After serving in public education for 35 years as a teacher and an administrator, she retired in 1993. During her service as a public school educator, Mrs. Smith was principal investigator for a proposal which resulted in a million grant in mathematics, science, and technology for the Dallas public schools. Mrs. Smith has been recognized as an Outstanding Educator and Community Leader by Clean Dallas, Inc., and as a Eminent Educator by National Women of Achievement, Inc.,. Smith has served as chairperson for three fund raising PVAMU Dallas Alumni Chapter Scholarship Galas held in Dallas. Mrs. Smith reigned as Miss Prairie View from 1953-1954. Of all her achievements, Mrs. Smith is most proud of her family. Her husband Joe Smith is an alumnus of Prairie View A&M University. She has four adult children, a daughter and three sons. Three of her children are physicians and one is a marketing specialist. Mrs. Smith served as President of the Prairie View A & M University National Alumni Association from 1999-2001. Mrs. Smith is a former “Miss Prairie View”.
