This year, the College of Arts & Sciences celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Over the last 20 years, we have recognized 79 alumni and faculty whose

contributions to the College, University, Commonwealth and beyond are far-reaching. Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting each of this year’s inductees. Today, I am honored to recognize Gerald Smith.

Gerald was born in Lexington, Ky., and graduated from Henry Clay High School. He attended the University of Kentucky as an undergraduate and graduate student, and received his B.A. (1981), M.A. (1983), and Ph.D. (1988) degrees in history. During his time as a student at UK, he served as Polemarch (President) of the undergraduate chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and as secretary of the Black Student Union. He was also a disc jockey for the Graduate and Professional Students Association radio program “Rhapsody in Black.”

Gerald taught at Memphis State University from 1988-1993 and returned to UK in 1993 as an associate professor. From 1997-2005, he served as director of the African American Studies and Research Program. He is currently a full professor of history and former Theodore A. Hallam Professor and Martin Luther King Center Scholar-in-Residence. Smith is the author, editor, or co-editor of four books and has more than 40 articles, essays, and book reviews published in historical journals and encyclopedias.

Visit www.as.uky.edu/halloffame to view all photos and videos from the event.