James Bryan Smith named Icon of Education
Dallas Willard Chair for Christian Spiritual Formation, Dr. Jim Smith was among eight K-20 educators and administrators from throughout Missouri and Kansas who were named Icons of Education by Ingram’s Magazine.
This recognition represents educators “who, with the body of their work in classrooms or administrative roles, have demonstrated exceptional ability to influence students and elevate their academic performance.”
In his spotlight article, Dr. Smith admits that while his family maintained a strong value for education growing up, the results of his own high school work-ethic was anything but exceptional. But upon coming to Friends University, he was introduced to two faculty mentors who would deeply influence his life and career.
Old Testament scholar, Dr. Howard Macy, enamored the young student with his dedication to scholarly teaching, while spiritual formation professor, Dr. Richard J. Foster, warmly invited Dr. Smith into a rich spiritual life. “I began to believe that learning is a way we honor and glorify God,” Dr. Smith shared with Ingram’s. As a result, his grades went from average to straight A’s and he caught an untamable passion for teaching which led to an incredible 35-year legacy at Friends University.
But, Dr. Smith’s work and God-ordained calling has resonated far beyond the walls of the Davis Building. He is a top selling author with InterVarsity Press through The Good and Beautiful Series; each fall, he sees hundreds encouraged and spiritually nourished through the Apprentice Gathering conference he founded; and he has invited thousands of listeners to transform their thinking through his Things Above podcast. Dr. Smith has also been instrumental in refreshing an engagement with spiritual formation, nationally—bringing new life to this transformative Christian movement. But where we hold the most pride is in the professor’s sincere intentionality with his students. He has consistently demonstrated an authentic way of teaching that regards each student’s intrinsic value as a beloved child of God, making Dr. James Bryan Smith a true “icon of education.”
Congratulations, Dr. J on this incredible honor!