Nina Smith

Nina Smith

Dr. Nina Smith is Associate Dean of the College of Health and Sciences and Associate Professor of Human Sciences at North Carolina Central University. She studies the impact of parental employment on the health and well-being of children and families. She also examines factors that influence children’s academic preparedness and teacher professional development in early care and education settings. Her work centers the experiences of Black children and families.

Nina has worked closely with Family Forward NC for more than four years as a research advisor. In this role, she guides research efforts around improving family-friendly workplace policies in North Carolina. She currently serves as a co-investigator for the National African American Child and Family Research Center – a $1.8 million initiative funded by the Administration for Children and Families. She leads the Center’s cross-cutting research theme of research among rural populations.

Nina obtained her BA in Psychology at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, her MA in Psychology at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina and her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Greensboro, North Carolina.