Smith named College of Professional Studies Orange Gown graduate following near 30-year break

Smith named College of Professional Studies Orange Gown graduate following near 30-year break

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Media Contact: Aaron Campbell | OSU-Tulsa Communications Coordinator | 918-594-8046 | [email protected]

After a nearly 30-year break, Dallas Smith not only completed his bachelor's degree, but also graduated with the top honor in his college.

Smith, the chief investigator for the Office of the Federal Public Defender in the Northen District of Oklahoma, walked the stage as the Fall 2024 Orange Gown Graduate for the OSU College of Professional Studies this weekend.

Each spring and fall, one graduate from each of Oklahoma State University's academic colleges is selected to wear this distinguished regalia in recognition of their academic achievements, participation in organizations and overall dedication to their experiences at OSU.

"It still hasn't really sunk in, the Orange Gown thing," Smith said. "The honor of representing our College of Professional Studies, it's really something I'm proud of."

The public safety graduate and father of two OSU alumni donned the orange regalia to lead faculty and students under the College of Professional Studies banner, marking the completion of a longtime personal goal.

Smith first enrolled at OSU right out of high school in 1989.

"Then things happened," Smith said. "My dad got transferred, we all moved to Illinois, I met my wife and life started happening."

Smith's career in law enforcement began as a sheriff's deputy - but for the last 20 years, he's worked the defense side of law enforcement, including 10 years with the Tulsa County Public Defender's Office as an investigator.

Once his two boys graduated from OSU and were out of the house, it was his turn to go back.

"I told my wife I always wanted to complete my degree. So, we just went for it," Smith said.

For Smith, adjusting to a modern classroom was intimidating.

"A lot of things have changed since I have been to college," he said. "It had been over 25 years since I took any college courses - so it was nerve-wracking wondering what technology would be like. But once I got into it, my instructors and the other students that were in the classes were just great, helping me get caught up with the technology as far as how they do take the classes, exams, turn the homework in. I had never been exposed to that technology."

Smith is appreciative of the help he received at school, but he credits his support system at home for making his education journey possible.

"My wife, she's backed me 100 percent," Smith said. "She's helped me study, and I can't tell you how many recorded lectures she's had to listen to in the car while driving, just because that's when I could fit them in. The support I got from my family - I couldn't have gotten through this without them."

In his degree program, the leadership and management courses were highlights for Smith, who transitioned into his current leadership role while studying at OSU-Tulsa. He recalled how an exercise in one of his classes directly prepared him for his current role.

"I remember one of Raj Basu's classes, we had to do an elevator pitch," Smith said. "It was for our dream job, a scenario where we run into the CEO in the elevator. I remember I did that pitch, pitching for the job that I'm currently in. It's just funny the way it played out - the position came open, and everything that I had been learning just played out right in front of me."

Now, after crossing the finish line, Smith would recommend others to do the same.

"After being out for 25-30 years, most of the time I was the oldest person in class. I'd say don't let those things stop you, don't let them hold you back," he said. "There were a couple semesters where I had a full 12-hour load of classes. I didn't think when I started that I'd be able to do that, but once I got started, I enjoyed it so much that for those two years it just became part of me.

"So don't let time get in your way. If it's something you've set as a goal, just get out there and go for it."

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