Joshua Smith knew from an early age that he wanted to spend his life helping people, wherever that journey might take him. As a young adult, he thought he would accomplish that by entering health care administration, with finance as a double major. However, he had an epiphany three years into working toward an accounting degree at WKU. “I had a conversation with a friend who thought I should consider some other options, and that discussion literally changed my life,” Smith said.
Smith completed his accounting degree as planned but switched gears completely by graduating from Asbury Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Arts Pastoral Counseling. Bowling Green had become Smith’s second home while at WKU, so in August 2007, he returned and joined the Community Education staff as the Client Services Representative. In 2012 Smith was offered the position of Enrichment & Volunteer Coordinator, following in the footsteps of Anne Grubbs, which he held for two years before leaving the agency. However, the hiatus did not last long. Smith returned in June 2016 to serve as Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, ultimately becoming Assistant Director at the end of 2021.
While with Community Education, Smith has served as a volunteer middle school youth director, eventually becoming student pastor, dedicating countless hours of his time and energy. When asked about that experience and the challenges it might have presented with him holding a full-time job, he stated, “I was so fortunate that my second job just naturally went hand-in-hand with my work here at the agency.”
Smith says he is proudest of having a hand in leading Community Education’s Stand for Children Day, the Teen Angel Christmas Assistance Program, and the Volunteers of the Year Awards. “It is truly an honor to serve this community and to be a part of an organization like Community Education with such a great history.”
When not at work, Smith volunteers at his current church and other faith-based organizations, including missions, which remain very important to him. He also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.