The Cassville Crowder campus wished well to Angela Seymour, former campus director, on June 30 when she retired, but the new director Sarah Smith was welcomed on June 6.

Smith grew up in Shell Knob and graduated from Cassville High School in 2011.

From there, she attended Cassville Crowder, where she earned her associate’s degree. She then transferred to the University of Central Missouri to earn her bachelor’s of science in actuarial sciences.

Smith went on to earn her master’s in business administration.

“I went into finance and worked for about nine months,” Smith said. “But, it wasn’t for me. I had an opportunity to work in a graduate admissions at the University of Central Missouri for two years. Then, I took a position working in undergraduate admission for three years.”

After that, Smith went to the Baker University in Kansas and took position as the assistant director of operations.

“I think I understand the way that bigger four-year colleges look at smaller community colleges,” she said. “I have always thought that community colleges were underrated. I got to build more of an appreciation for community college through my work, and I brought them that outside perspective from starting out at a community college. I think I can help us grow and change the narrative around it.”

Smith said she really likes to give things a good full cycle before trying to implement changes.

“I want to watch and learn for this first year,” she said. “I am from the area, but I have been away for eight years. It is different, things have changed, so I want to get re-acclimated.

Smith and her husband, Alex, have been married for six years.

“My parents and sister live in Shell Knob and my sister is a teacher at Cassville,” she said. “I grew up fishing, but now I’m a huge cinema fan.”

Coming back to Cassville was full of excitement, but there were also some challenges.

“Some challenges were coming in when Angela has been here doing such a great job for so long,” Smith said. “I came in as the new director when there is also a new president. There were a lot of changes happening all at once.

“A lot of people had stability under Angela and they continue to look for that stability in the director — me.”

Smith said she has been welcomed with open arms at Crowder.

“They have been so great to me, and we are working through everything together,” she said. “I am looking most forward to making a difference. It is such a unique experience in small towns to have the freedom to meet the community where the needs are.”

Smith said she is excited to get the community the things they need.

“I have a very open door policy,” she said. “Anyone is welcome to stop by at any time and I’ll be here. I am looking forward to getting the chance to get to know the people and the area again.”