Dr. Maurice Smith Jr. serves as a National Program Leader within NIFA’s Institute of Youth, Family, and Community. In collaboration with the Land-grant University System, Cooperative Extension Service, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations, Maurice provides national leadership for 1890 and 4-H positive youth development programs with emphasis on minority-serving institutions and youth in need. Prior to NIFA, Maurice served as Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist with Virginia State University focusing on civic engagement and leadership development. Maurice also served as a 4-H Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension. He received his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Extension Education from The Pennsylvania State University. He received a Master of Science degree from Virginia Tech in Agriculture and Life Sciences and his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Agri-business and economics from Virginia State University.
He is a member of the National Society of Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).