Jordan B. Smith Jr. is a trailblazing educator and military veteran born in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his academic journey at Lexington Grade School before attending the distinguished Christian Brothers College Military Institute in Clayton, Missouri, from 1968 to 1972. At the institute, he achieved remarkable milestones, becoming the first African American to attain the prestigious rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and later receiving the Damian Saber Award for Military Leadership, another first for an African American.
In 1972, Jordan's journey led him to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he continued to break new ground. He became the first African American to hold the esteemed 17th Color Company commander position, marking a historic moment in the academy's history. His dedication to leadership and diversity extended to selecting the first African American Color Girl for the Color Parade in June 1976, ending an all-male parade era.
After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Jordan was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving 20 years as a logistics officer during the Gulf War (1990-1991) with Marine Air Group 26 (MAG-26). Transitioning to education, Jordan spent over 19 years as a public school mathematics teacher in Southern California's San Jacinto Unified School District.
Jordan's passion for teaching led him to earn advanced degrees, including a master's in secondary education, a doctorate in educational leadership, and a master's in administration and services credential. For the past decade, he has dedicated his efforts to helping at-risk students earn their high school diplomas, with significant improvements in graduation rates.
Beyond teaching, Jordan is a renowned education leader, public speaker, and author. He has written several bestsellers, including books on effective math teaching strategies and the importance of teacher leadership. In 2023, Jordan was honored as the Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year for his commitment to promoting computer science education for underrepresented groups.
Jordan's dedication to diversity in computer science education is evident in his efforts to introduce AP Computer Science courses that were previously unavailable. He has transformed educational landscapes, providing countless students with skills for success in the tech industry. His advocacy and innovative teaching methods have bridged the diversity gap in technology, leaving a lasting impact on education and the tech sector.
Jordan's journey is a testament to determination, innovation, and unwavering commitment to change. Through his work, he has inspired educators and students alike, demonstrating the power of education to transform lives and communities.
