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President Heather A. Smith brings over 25 years of successful administration experience to her role leading the College of Saint Mary, the only women’s college in a five-state region. With a proven record in leadership and innovation, she was appointed as CSM’s eighth president in July 2023. President Smith is dedicated to advancing the institution’s century-long legacy of academic excellence. She is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community, enhancing student success through personalized education and expanding partnerships with industry and community organizations to provide students unparalleled opportunities. Under her guidance, CSM is poised to reach new heights in academic achievement and community impact.

Having grown up in Omaha, President Smith has deep roots in the community. Before her appointment at College of Saint Mary, she was Children's Nebraska's vice president of ambulatory services. In this role, she held executive responsibility for the operations of 28 specialty divisions and spearheaded the creation of innovative programs while optimizing efficiency in local and regional outreach locations. From 2017 to 2020, President Smith served as the vice president of pediatrics at the same hospital. She has also held leadership positions as the vice president of operations for Children's Specialty Physicians and as the chief administrative officer for Children's Physicians.

President Smith has served on various boards in Omaha, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, March of Dimes, Omaha Symphony Guild, Foster Care Review Board and the Epilepsy Foundation. In 2024, President Smith was appointed to the Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation (CINCF) Board of Directors. She will serve a two-year term.

President Smith's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Vanderbilt University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Creighton University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, President Smith is a proud parent. Her daughter recently graduated from Stanford University.