Familiar Faces: Hope Smith

From behind the Leland Speed Library desk, Smith is furthering her education & brightening lives.

The Leland Speed Library is a popular study spot for students on Mississippi College’s campus. For almost 21 years, Hope Smith, a Library Circulation Associate, has welcomed, assisted, and supported those students from her seat at the front desk.

Hope Smith in her office working on her dissertation. (Photo Credit: Emma Ellard)

To say Smith is an accomplished woman is an understatement. Smith’s career at Mississippi College began long before her current role. As a Clinton native, Smith attended Wesson High School and later transferred to Mississippi College from Copiah-Lincoln Community College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in religious education. After graduating, she continued her education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where she earned a master’s degree in religious education.

With her degree, she returned to the Clinton area, where she worked at various churches as youth director and children’s director. Eventually, though, the Lord led Smith and her family of five back to the Leland Speed Library, where she applied for the Library Circulation Associate position. “I loved the library because I was a student worker here, and I went to school here,” Smith said.

As the library associate, Smith brightens the day of every student with her smile and welcoming heart. Smith is an indispensable part of not only the Mississippi College community, but also the entire Clinton community.

“I’ll go out into the community and people will ask about Hope and if she is still here,” said Dr. Robert Burgess, the Assistant Library Director and Electronic Resources Librarian.

Even with her full-time job, Smith is tirelessly working to complete her doctorate online. “I’m working on my doctorate in educational ministries,” she said. “I’ve been working on that for three years, and I am at the dissertation part now.” Finishing this dissertation is no small feat, as Smith must hand write and edit over 300 pages before sending it in to her professors.

Throughout Smith’s life, she has followed the Lord’s will and trusted him in every step of life. “Do the best you can and follow God’s direction,” Smith said.

Smith is a prime example of hard work. Not only has she worked hard in helping numerous students along their academic journeys, but she has also worked hard in completing her own.

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