Dr. Markus Smith, a professor of political science at OCCC, was inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame in September 2025, a recognition that he says represents decades of dedication to education and community service.
“This recognition represents the culmination of my nearly 25-year teaching career and my 30 years of dedicated philanthropic service to the state of Oklahoma,” Smith said.
In addition to the Hall of Fame honor, Smith became a member of the OAAE Board in January 2026, expanding his involvement with the organization beyond recognition to leadership.
Smith said his path to the board began with a nomination from someone close to him.
“I was humbled to be nominated by my wife, who has dedicated nearly 20 years to education and has taught as an adjunct professor at OCCC for 17 years,” Smith said. “From there, the OAAE Hall of Fame Board of Directors reviewed all submissions, narrowed the pool to 10 nominees and voted on those to be inducted.”
Despite the distinction, Smith expressed humility when reflecting on the experience.
“It was an incredibly humbling honor to be considered alongside so many deserving educators, many of whom have devoted more years to teaching and have profoundly impacted students and communities across Oklahoma,” Smith said. “Being mentioned in the same company as such dedicated professionals reminded me of the collective commitment we share to shaping lives and strengthening our communities through education.”
Smith’s career path was shaped by personal experiences long before he entered the classroom. He said he initially aspired to attend law school and become an attorney, driven by a desire to advocate for underserved communities.
That ambition was deeply connected to his upbringing.
“I grew up in poverty, raised in some of the most violent neighborhoods on the northeast side of Oklahoma City during the 1970s and 1980s,” Smith said. “I witnessed firsthand how limited access to opportunity and support can shape the course of a person’s life.”
Instead of discouraging him, those challenges became a source of motivation.
“Those experiences didn’t discourage me; they fueled me,” he said. “I simply wanted to give back — to stand in the gap for others and be the kind of advocate I wished my community had.”
Smith highlighted his arrival at OCCC as a pivotal turning point in his life.
“Everything began to change in 1999 when I walked through the doors of Oklahoma City Community College,” he said. “OCCC became a driving force in reshaping my life. It gave me direction, opportunity, mentorship and the confidence to believe that I was capable of more.”
Today, Smith says the most rewarding aspect of his work lies in the impact he has on students.
“What I love most about my career in education is the opportunity to change lives in ways that often extend far beyond the classroom,” Smith said. “Education is more than teaching content — it’s about building confidence, opening doors and helping students see possibilities for themselves that they may not have imagined.”
Over the years, Smith has witnessed numerous moments that reinforced his commitment to teaching. One memory, he said, remains particularly meaningful: the time when an older student embraced him after receiving her diploma at graduation.
“Through tears, she told me she owed her success not only to me as her professor but as a mentor who inspired, motivated and pushed her to keep going when she wanted to give up,” Smith said. “That one has always stood out because it reminded me why I teach. It’s not just about lessons or lectures — it’s about impact.”
Smith also talked about his approach to teaching political science during periods of heightened political division. He said establishing clear expectations for classroom conduct is essential.
“From the very first day of class, I make it clear that my classroom is a space for intellectual and civil dialogue,” Smith said. “I set the expectation that disrespect or hostility toward any peer will not be tolerated.”
He added that this approach has helped foster productive discussions.
“Once students understand that disrespect has no place in my classroom,” he said, “I’ve found that discussions become rich, meaningful and robust, regardless of the political or social climate.”
Outside of academia, Smith maintains an active professional and personal life. Since 2016, he has built a successful real estate career, selling nearly 500 homes and surpassing $100 million in sales.
“For me, it’s about far more than transactions,” Smith said. “It’s about building lasting relationships.”
He is also a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, with nearly 15 years of experience competing, coaching and instructing.
“The discipline, focus and perseverance I’ve gained through martial arts continue to influence both my personal and professional life,” he said.
At 54, Smith says he feels content with his accomplishments.
“With all that I’ve already experienced and accomplished,” he said, “I don’t really focus as much on setting new goals — I feel like I’m already living out my dreams.”
