Dr. Frank L. Smith (Ed.D. ’65), Professor Emeritus of Education at Teachers College, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 89. A valued member of the TC community for more than three decades, Professor Smith joined the TC faculty in 1967 as Associate Professor of Education and later served as Department Chair of Education Administration.

A lifelong educator and leader devoted to improving public education, Smith was passionate about cultivating student inquiry and engagement. At Teachers College, he helped shape generations of educators including through the founding of the first cohort-based Ed.D. program for practicing administrators (INQUIRY), and as a mentor to numerous students. His scholarly interests included organizational theory, urban high schools and school assessment; publications included: The Language of the Classroom (Teachers College Press), “The large city high school” (NASSP Bulletin) and “Admissions policy” (New York City High Schools). 

Prior to joining Teachers College as a faculty member, Smith served the Ridgewood, NJ public schools as Assistant High School Principal for Curriculum and Instruction and as president of the School Board, helping to develop the state’s first computer programs and expository writing programs. Smith also served as Executive Director of New York City Public High Schools.
Following his retirement from TC in 2001, Smith taught at St. John’s University as Distinguished Visiting Professor. He also led the New York City Division of High Schools, where he established a “house” program to foster greater student belonging in large comprehensive schools, and worked internationally in Nigeria, Chile, and the Philippines. 

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Smith raised his family in Ridgewood. As a doctoral student at TC, he served as president of the Student Senate. In addition to graduating from Teachers College, He earned a B.A. from Yale University in 1958 and an M.S. from Memphis State University in 1960.

Professor Smith leaves a legacy in the field of public education. His expertise and dedication will be remembered and will continue to inspire his colleagues, friends, students and mentees. Professor Smith was predeceased by his wife Gayle, and is survived by his children, Kevin, Joy and Kim; his grandchildren, Joy, Grace, Greyson and Koa; and his sister, Sarah. A celebration of life will be held on March 15, 2026. For information: Dr.FSmith.memorial@gmail.com.