11/25/2025
So honored to be a part of this amazing organization and serve on its board!!!
Dr. John L. Smith, Jr. and Dr. Juel Shannon Smith shared Preserve Vision Florida's 46th Annual Persons of Vision Award, presented Thursday, November 20, 2025.
The Award honors Persons of Vision who have had a profound impact through true community leadership and vision.
Dr. John L. Smith, Jr. served as President of Fisk University and Dean of USF Fine Arts College, creating the Graphic Studio and a renowned jazz program. Dr. Juel Shannon Smith has chaired Athena Society and Links and has served as a board member of Habitat for Humanity International with President Jimmy Carter. At USF she founded the Institute for Black Lives and Women in Leadership & Philanthropy. Together, John and Juel have inspired generations of students to excel while encouraging major investments in the arts and education, civic life, business, and government.