Bio

Dr. Jana M. Smith is the Chairperson of the Health and Physical Education Department at Dillard University New Orleans.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Southern University at New Orleans, her Master of Science degree in Sport Administration from Grambling State University and her PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University.

Dr. Smith has been instrumental in developing curriculum guidelines and advising students in Early Childhood Elementary Education, Physical Education Departments and Urban Executive Sports Administration and Management.  She has served as the Director of Health and Wellness Workshops for Deep South Environmental Organization.  She was a member of the University Faculty Council Board, the Chairperson of the Division of Educational & Psychological Studies Curriculum, the Presidents’ Mini Grant Committee and the Athletic Intercollegiate Committee.  Dr. Smith was also Dillard University’s faculty representative for the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC).

Dr. Smith taught at McDonogh#35 High school and was the Principal at St. Monica Catholic School in New Orleans.  She also served as assistant Professor at Grambling State University in the Health and Physical Education Department.

Dr. Smith is a former New Orleans Saints Cheerleader and has danced professionally with the San Jacento Dance Theater of New Orleans. In addition to her performances, she choreographed a Pan American Life Insurance Company Commercial for a Super Bowl in 1999.  She taught dance at both the Treme Community Center and The Tambourine & Fan Organization.  Dr. Smith served as a consultant to the New Orleans Hornets National Basketball Association team for the summer physical fitness/sports program. She has also served as the Director of the Saenger Theater Summer Camp and the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP).

Presently, Dr. Smith is the Director and Choreographer of the Dillard University Diamonds Dance Team, winners of two national dance competitions. The Diamonds have performed twice on Black Entertainment Television (BET) 106 and Park.  She is also the coordinator of Dillard University’s dance workshops. Along with her teaching duties in the Education Department, she partnered with Dillard University’s Theater Department to choreograph two plays; Ain’t Misbehavin and Raisin.