Influential Women Spotlights Melissa J. Smith Champion of Workforce Education & Community Development at Crowder College
Melissa J. Smith serves as the Director of the Joplin Advanced Training & Workforce Center (ATTC) at Crowder College. With over 24 years of dedicated service, she has been a driving force in advancing workforce education and technical training in southwest Missouri.
Since her tenure began at Crowder College, Melissa has significantly expanded academic opportunities, strengthened community partnerships, and prepared students for successful careers in high-demand industries. Her innovative approach to education aligns with the evolving workforce needs of the region, ensuring that students have access to the career-focused training that will serve them well in their future endeavors.
As a proud alumna of Missouri State University, Melissa holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from Missouri Southern State University. Her passion for student success and lifelong learning has guided her career in higher education, where she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in academic programming.
Before taking the helm at the ATWC, Melissa served as the Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Program Director, where she played a crucial role in helping high school students earn college credit while building confidence in their academic capabilities. Her leadership has extended beyond the college, as she has represented Crowder College in various state-level education initiatives and professional organizations, including the Missouri Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, where she served as President and President-Elect, and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.
One of Melissa’s most significant career accomplishments was the purchase and renovation of a new 84,000-square-foot educational facility, now known as the Advanced Training & Workforce Center. This $12 million, two-year project culminated in the organization’s move and opening in January and significantly expanded capacity for hands-on training and program growth. The new facility strengthens opportunities for students across the region while directly addressing critical workforce needs through advanced education and training programs.
Melissa’s success is rooted in her strong communication skills and her commitment to curriculum development, focusing on expanding programs that meet the needs of both students and educators. Her dedication to educational access and workforce development is matched only by her commitment to her local community.
Family, community, and personal growth are the values that guide Melissa in both her professional and personal life. A proud mother of two college students—one pursuing music and the other education—she finds deep fulfillment in supporting their passions, from cheering at baseball games to attending band and choir performances. Melissa is equally committed to her community and remains actively involved in local initiatives, including her engagement with the Joplin Chamber of Commerce. Melissa has also recently served as President-Elect and President of the Aspire Single Parent Scholarship of Southwest Missouri, roles she held over the past three years. Her term as President concluded in December 2025, and she continues to support the organization as Past President, advancing its mission to expand educational access and support for single parents in the region.
Recognized for her unwavering commitment to Crowder College’s mission of “strengthening communities and changing lives one person at a time,” Melissa J. Smith continues to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in southwest Missouri. Her work not only enriches the lives of students but also contributes to the overall growth and success of the community.
Learn More about Melissa J. Smith:
Through her Influential Women profile, https://influentialwomen.com/connect/melissa-smith-1
Influential Women
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