William Smith Sr.

William A. Smith Sr. is a lifelong resident of Huntington. After graduating from Huntington High School, he continued his education at Marshall University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English and speech. He earned his master’s degree in English and, later, a second master’s degree in education administration.

Smith began teaching English at Huntington High School in 1973. In 1978, he moved to the Cabell County Schools Central Office and served as supervisor of the Gifted Education Program, the director of federal programs and assistant superintendent before becoming the superintendent of schools and serving from 2005 until his retirement in 2017. He was the second African American Cabell County Schools superintendent.

Smith is a member of the NAACP, Marshall University Black Alumni Association, the chair of deacons at First Baptist Church of Huntington and a member of the Marshall University Board of Governors.