Teresa Smith

Dr. Teresa Smith came to Salem College in 1992. She is originally from North Carolina but grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. Prior to coming to Salem College she taught at Wake Forest University. She has also worked as a dental assistant, birth attendant, baker and waitress. Dr. Smith came to Salem College because of her interest in teaching at a Liberal Arts school for women. Women are the focus, not just tolerated as a strength of a women’s college, she says.

Dr. Smith teaches statistics and research methods, but her specialty is women’s health. She currently serves as chairperson for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Other areas of academic service include the Globalization Committee, Committee on the Faculty and chairperson for the Continuing Studies Task force. She is currently reviving the topic of her dissertation, Socio-cultural Factors in the Infant-Feeding Decision, in a follow-up project.

Dr. Smith holds a certificate in Clinical Trials Management, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University and received the Hewlett Fellowship for the Study of Pluralism and Diversity, Wake Forest University. Dr. Smith is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa sorority and Pi Gamma Mu.

When not teaching Dr. Smith enjoys gardening and going out to hear live local music. She especially frequents the summer music series in downtown Winston-Salem.  She is involved in the local food movement and patronizes local farmers' markets.

Favorite Books

·         The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan

·         Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver