Story by Speakin’ Out News staff writer and photo credits by Elijah Baker, Drake State Public Relations Coordinator
(L-R): Ms. Genevia Rice Hughes (Sister), Mrs. Carolyn Rice Washington (Sister), Dr. Deloris Rice Smothers, Mrs. Fruzzie Anderson (First Lady-Union Hill C.P. Church, and Rev. Dr. Edward Anderson (Pastor-Union Hill C.P. Church in America.
Huntsville, AL- On May 11, Drake State Community and Technical College honored and celebrated the contributions and retirement of Dr. Deloris Rice Smothers for her composite services of 44 years of service in education and administration:19 years of service at Drake State; 2 years in Huntsville City Schools; 2 years at Alabama A&M University, and 21 years at the North Alabama Skill Center.
Dr. Smothers is the Computer Information System Instructor and the Division Chair at Drake State. Dr. Smothers believes that teaching is both an Art and Science. It directs one attention to many alternate and supplementary techniques, procedures, and devices. Students deserve to be well-informed, education of all ideas, values, and beliefs that will help them to become more marketable in the 21st century.
Mr. Ray Saunders, Academic Completion Specialist, was the Master of Ceremonies. Invocation was by Rev. Dr. Edward Anderson. Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State, delivered a very uplifting informative greeting. Music was provided by Mr. Charlie Lockhart and Mr. Grayson Lockhart. Tributes were given by Dr. Carolyn Henderson, Mr. Ronald Egson, Mr. Terence Nkwa-Tabe, and Geneva Hughes. Presentations were by Dr. Nicole Bell.
Dr. Smothers is a Charter Member of the Huntsville 100 Black Women Organization. She is a proud three-time graduate of Alabama A&M University and served as President and Vice President of the Huntsville Progressive Alumni Association of Alabama A&M University. Dr. Smothers received her Doctorate Degree in Community College Leadership from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. As a Computer Information System Instructor. Smothers has been recognized by her peers on many occasions, but two notable ones were Master Teacher Participant Class of 2006 for the Alabama Community College Association and September 2020, she became the first Alabama Community College Association sponsored instructor to complete the Quality Matters Certification for Online Classes.
In the community, Dr. Smothers is an active member of several civic organizations. She is a Diamond Life Member of the Huntsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a public service organization. She served as Recording Secretary for (4) years, Corresponding Secretary for (2) years, Parliamentary for (4) years, and currently she is serving her third year as Sergeant-At-Arms.
Closing remarks and acknowledgements were given by Mrs. Gladys Ayokanmbi.
Dr. Deloris Rice Smothers is member of the Union Hill C.P. Church in America and is married to Mr. William Smothers, Publisher/Owner of Speakin’ Out News.