March is Women’s History Month, when we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and contemporary society. With this series, we intend to highlight some of NPRC’s women for the work they have done throughout their careers and for their contributions to the College and higher education. In 2025, Women’s History Month has adopted the theme of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
NPRC’s Instructor of Business, Dr. Susan “Suzie” Smith, is educating and inspiring the next generation of women both in her career and her personal life. Smith joined NPRC in 2024 and works from her home in Hawaiʻi. She is a proud spouse of an active-duty service member and a mom of a young girl. Each of these roles in her personal life has led her to meet many strong women and to be a strong woman as an example for her daughter. “Seasoned military spouses, both near and far, have profoundly shaped my life by teaching me the importance of resiliency, flexibility, and kindness. Their unwavering strength in the face of uncertainty, frequent relocations, and the challenges of military life have inspired me to approach obstacles with grace and determination. They have shown me how to adapt quickly to change, embrace new environments, and find stability amid constant transitions. Most importantly, their kindness and support—whether through a listening ear, a shared meal, or practical advice—have taught me the value of building a compassionate community that uplifts one another through all seasons of life.”
She continued, “Raising my daughter to be her own person means encouraging her to embrace her unique identity and pursue her goals without being confined by societal expectations. I teach her to value her individuality, think critically, and make choices that reflect her passions and values; not what others may impose. By exposing her to diverse perspectives, powerful role models, and open discussions about equality and independence, I help empower her to challenge stereotypes and stand confidently in her beliefs. I hope she grows up understanding that her potential is limitless, defined only by her aspirations and the effort she puts into achieving them.”
The pursuit of higher education and excellence in her professional career has taken true grit and balance. Her own path as a learner began as a community college student at Glendale Community College in Arizona, where she earned Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. She continued her education at Purdue University to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing; DeVry University to earn a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership; and the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she earned a Master of International Management/International Marketing Management and a Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration. She completed much of her learning through online means and the unique circumstances of being a member of a military family. For her, it has meant living both domestically and abroad.
Her teaching career has led her to instruct for Southern New Hampshire University, the University of Hawai’i, Maryland Global Campus, and Carrington College, before joining the NPRC team last summer. “As a role model and educator for women in business, I have the privilege and responsibility of shaping the next generation of ethical, independent, and successful leaders. By fostering a learning environment that values integrity, collaboration, and innovation, I empower all students to embrace their strengths and navigate challenges with confidence. My role goes beyond imparting knowledge; it involves modeling ethical decision-making, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting a commitment to social responsibility.”
Advice she consistently shares with young women is to embrace who they are, to understand their unique perspectives and talents, to be authentic, bring fresh ideas to the world, seek mentorship, and be their own advocate. At NPRC, an institution led predominantly by women, there are many strong women who have earned their way into their current role in leadership and in higher education. They’ve each navigated their own careers into successful leadership positions and helped build the College to what it is today. “Working at a college heavily led by women is both inspiring and empowering, as it showcases the progress being made toward gender equity in leadership. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with strong and intelligent women who are shaping the future of education and serving as role models for students and colleagues alike. Their leadership fosters a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration that benefits everyone. The presence of women in leadership at NPRC serves as a reminder of what is possible and motivates me to continue advocating for greater representation and equality across all fields.”
As her career has seen twists and turns involving her position as well where she calls home, one thing that has not changed is her approach to her career and life. She’s taken it to heart to become diversified in her career and always lead with kindness. Her role at NPRC involves her teaching a variety of business courses and is a position she earned because of the many times she pushed herself out of her comfort zone to become a well-rounded business professional and educator. To lead with kindness means embracing the golden rule and also finding the blend of hard work and compassion. In fact, there’s a piece of art in Dr. Smith’s office that reads “Work Hard and Be Nice” as a constant reminder of the combination it takes to be successful in the professional world and in life. “If more people followed this concept, we could build more meaningful connections and positively impact others.”
Suzie is only one of the many inspiring women at NPRC we are celebrating this month. Join us throughout March for more features that celebrate women in the workplace and inspire young women to explore an entire world of possibilities in their lives and careers!
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