Helen Smith

Helen Wilson Smith has been an Associate Director in the Center for Advanced Public Safety within the UA College of Engineering since 2014. In this role she manages grant and contract funded projects with state and federal entities focused on improving public safety. After receiving her BS in Computer Science at UA she spent 30 years working in software development in various corporations including BellSouth, Protective Life and Southern Company and served in roles from software developer to project manager to software development manager. She received her Project Management Professional Certificate in 2005 and while at Southern Company she advanced her interest in the environment by pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Management. Helen is a firm believer in lifelong learning and is currently pursuing a College Teaching Certificate at UA. She is also passionate about encouraging other women to pursue STEM careers. Helen’s other interests include travel, running and cooking. She is currently serving as the president of the Tuscaloosa Track Club, is a past president of the UA Tuscaloosa County Alumni chapter and a member of the Mystic Krewe of the Druids, which provides support and partnership to Five Horizons Health Services. Helen is married to Andrew Smith, a Tuscaloosa lawyer, and they have 4 children three of whom have UA degrees bringing the total in the immediate family to 7 UA degrees.