Congratulations to Cynthia Smith who was named the 2020 United States Air Force (USAF), enterprise wide, University Employee of the Year. She was named the 2014 Civilian Employee of the Year by USAF, making this the second time she has received national recognition at Kent State University for her knowledge base and exemplary work skills.
Smith began working for KSU in the Aerospace Studies Department, more widely recognized as Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp (AFROTC), in 2009. She brought to the university 13 years of experience with the State of Ohio, and a desire to complete her education.
Since joining the AFROTC team, Smith has earned two degrees from KSU, an Associate of Science with Distinction, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, having graduated Summa Cum Laude. She earned commissions in the State of Ohio as a notary public and justice of the peace. During Covid-19 she performed a marriage ceremony on the KSU flight line for a newly commissioned Air Force officer and his bride.
Smith provides leadership, planning and innovative solutions to ensure effective organizational functions, academic, administrative, and student coordination and compliance among 10 Northeast Ohio universities and colleges that comprise Detachment 630, as part of the AFROTC program.
“The Air Force core values are: 'Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do,'" said Smith. “I love my job and I am honored to be a part of the U.S. Air Force team.”