Rebecca Smith

("r-uh-BEK-ah smith" | she/her/hers)

  • Assistant Dean & Director, Office for Disability and Access

Offices

Education

  • MA, applied sociology and research, University of Northern Colorado

  • BA, sociology, Northern Illinois University

Biography

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Relocating from Colorado in 2022, Rebecca is thrilled to join the Oberlin College & Conservatory team as the Assistant Dean and Director with the Office for Disability & Access. As a first-generation college student, she recognizes the opportunities that come with obtaining a college degree and is passionate about working with students, faculty, and staff to remove barriers to accessing higher education. Rebecca is committed to inclusion for the disabled community and focused on broadening discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion to incorporate disability and access.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL (Go Cubs, Go!) Rebecca began her career as a certified sign-language interpreter for the Deaf. She began working in K-12 education and has held various roles in higher education disability offices since 2007. She received her BA in Sociology from Northern Illinois University and a MA in Applied Sociology and Research from the University of Northern Colorado. Her master’s thesis is a quantitative research study titled Examining the Effects of Disability Services on Student Success in Higher Education.

Rebecca loves Midwest culture and living in Cleveland, OH! Her favorite activities include spending time with her husband and kids and exploring the Metroparks. Rebecca loves music, listening to baseball games (especially when the Cubs are playing!) on the radio, reading, embroidery, being active, eating great food, of which the Cleveland area has plenty, and traveling – which she wishes she could do more! Every student's path is unique, and Dean B would love to join you on yours - stop by and see her anytime!  

  • Relator
  • Futuristic
  • Arranger
  • Adaptability
  • Individualization

Disability Laws, Universal Design for Learning, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (EDIA).

Notes

Rebecca Smith and Victoria Colella to Present at AHEAD National Conference

April 19, 2023

The Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) accepted a proposal submitted by Assistant Dean and Director Rebecca Smith and Assistant Director Victoria Colella with the Office for Disability and Access to present at the AHEAD Excellence and Equity 2023 national conference in Portland, Oregon, July 19-21. The abstract, Home Sweet Home: Responding to the Rising Requests for Housing Accommodations, was submitted in collaboration with colleagues at the disability offices at the University of Wisconsin, Colorado College, and the University of Northern Colorado and was selected out of 250 submissions for just over 100 session times.