Following over five months of interim service, Kecia Williams Smith has been named dean of the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics at North Carolina A&T State University. She is the first NCA&T alumna and the second woman to lead the business school.
An associate professor of accounting, Dr. Smith has served as director of the NCAT’s master of accountancy degree program since its inception in 2019. She also directs the HBCU’s Center for Accounting Opportunities. With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Smith previously held leadership roles with Deloitte and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and taught at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business. Additionally, she previously served on the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s Accountability Advisory Council. Dr. Smith’s research centers on audit quality, regulatory oversight, auditor judgment, and the advancement of diversity in the accounting profession.
“Dr. Smith has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a steadfast commitment to excellence and a deep regard for our students, faculty and staff,” said Catherine Edmonds, interim provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Her strategic vision and collaborative approach have strengthened the Deese College, enhanced community and corporate partnership building, and positioned the college for continued innovation and success. I am confident she will continue to lead with integrity, purpose and impact as our permanent dean.”
Dr. Smith is a summa cum laude graduate of NCAT, where she majored in accounting. She earned her Ph.D. in accounting from Texas A&M University.
