My Life, My Teaching: It starts with education at Illinois State

Alumni: Ralph L. Smith Jr.

Graduation Year:

'50

Occupation:

Retired colonel/chaplain, U.S. Army; retired Methodist pastor and youth minister

Major/Minor:

Health and Physical Education

It Starts With Education

"I'm very proud of our College of Education," comments Rev. Ralph Smith. He notes that even in his retirement, he still enjoys working with youth. "I loved teaching. The coaching days have ended; I don't play full-court basketball anymore because of my knees ... But, I substitute in the Irving Independent School District in just about anything," says Smith.

Experience as a new teacher

Smith recalls his first teaching job in Tucson, Arizona where he taught health and physical education for six years. He credits the boys in his junior health class with helping him quit smoking. "Thanks to those boys I was able to give it up. That's probably why I am still alive today ... ," reflects Smith.

How has your education and experiences at Illinois State shaped your career choices?

Smith has traveled the world, serving in both the Army and the Navy throughout his 36-year military career. While in the military, Smith taught in all 8 of the military's high schools in Japan, including two in Okinawa and six on mainland Japan.