Denise A. Smith is the deputy director of higher education and a senior fellow at The Century Foundation. Her research delves into educational equity, diversity in a post–affirmative action society, the financing of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and the role of government funding in empowering these institutions and their students.

Prior to TCF, Smith served as director of college programs and student engagement at Truth Initiative. Her experience includes stakeholder engagement and grantmaking to more than 200 minority-serving institutions, HBCUs, women’s colleges, and community colleges; providing guidance on institutional-level policy change; fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and community partners; and equipping students with leadership skills.

Smith holds a doctorate of philosophy in higher education leadership and policy studies from Howard University; a master of public health policy from Morehouse School of Medicine; and a bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University, which recently honored her as a member of its inaugural 40 under 40 class. Smith also serves on the advisory council for Howard University’s Center for HBCU Leadership, Research, and Policy.