(Portland, Ore.)—Carole Smith, a doctoral candidate at the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling, will serve as the Superintendent of Portland Public Schools. With more than 25 years experience working in Portland’s education sector, Smith is well known for her deep roots in the community. For 23 years, she led a non-profit organization that operates alternative schools and programs for students who have struggled in traditional school settings. Most recently, she served as the former superintendent’s chief of staff.

“We are thrilled for Carole personally as well as extremely pleased for Portland Public Schools,” said Dick Sagor, director of the Educational Leadership Program. “We know from first-hand experience that our school board has selected an educational leader who is deeply committed to improving education for all of Portland’s children.”

Read more about Smith’s appointment at The Oregonian.