CHICAGO-(AEAE) Oakton Community College President Joianne L. Smith has been charged with a civil rights complaint with discrimation against a disabled student who was denied his fall financial aid based upon the fact that the transcript that he produced which evidenced his prior courses was not “certified”.Smith earned a doctorate of philosophy and a master of science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to joining Oakton’s administration in 2002, she served as assistant director of university residential life at Northwestern University. Earlier in her career, Smith was the dean of Brainerd Commons, a living-learning residential community at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. Her graduate and doctoral studies concentrated in counseling and psychology, and she is a licensed clinical psychologist. Smith is a leader in a number of national higher education associations, including the NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. She resides in Oakton’s district and has been featured in several higher education periodicals for her innovative approach to student success.
Joianne L. Smith has a not recommended rating by AEAE Other members of the Oakton Comunity College staff that have received a negative rating are Jamie Petersen, the Manager of Student Financial Aid and Lauren Hacket, a Financial Aid Advisor, who was charged with making misstatement of fact to the father of a disabled student.
Legal Disclaimer: Ms. Smith denies the charges and is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.