Alumna of the Year

Claudette Smith (‘72)

Claudette Smith, a 1972 graduate of Jacksonville State University, has devoted her life to education, leadership, and service. Her career spans 41 years with Arab City Schools, where she served in instructional and leadership roles across grades 6-12. Smith’s versatility and dedication are evident, holding positions in physical education, health, remedial math and language, alternative education, in-school suspension, and community education. She served 16 years as a cheerleader sponsor and 35 years as a Scholars Bowl coach, leading teams to multiple state and national championships. 

Smith has held significant professional leadership roles beyond the classroom, including school chairman for two accreditation cycles, school representative for the Arab Education Association, and a member of AEA and NEA.

As a Lifetime Member of the Jax State National Alumni Association, she remains actively engaged with Jax State alumni and student recruitment efforts, having established multiple scholarships, including The Doris Ledbetter Endowed Scholarship, The Claudette Smith Endowed Scholarship, and The Alpha Xi Delta Memorial Endowed Scholarship.  

Smith’s influence extends nationally through her leadership with the Alpha Xi Delta - Huntsville-Madison County Alumnae Association, including service as president, province director, regional director, national council member, and national membership vice president. She has held multiple leadership roles for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, the Alabama Scholastic Competition Association, the Arab Chamber of Commerce, and the Arab Rotary Club, demonstrating exceptional governance, mentorship, and strategic leadership.

For her spirit, service, and lifelong commitment to education and community engagement, Claudette Smith is recognized as the 2026 Alumna of the Year.