Reverend Dr. Mark Smith
Ohio Christian University
Circleville, OH
Sponsor: Rep. Steve Austria, (R-OH)
Date of Prayer: 06/14/2011
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Extension of Remarks:
SPEECH OF
HON. STEVE AUSTRIA
OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011
* Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say a few words about today's guest chaplain and my dear friend and fellow Ohioan, Dr. Mark A. Smith. Dr. Smith is a leader in faith–based education throughout Ohio and also an important leader in Pickaway County.
* Since coming to Ohio Christian University in 2005, he has expanded the University's enrollment from 380 to more than 1,750 students. He has helped fund and build over $10.5 million of projects and led the development of many off campus sites.
* Dr. Smith was also appointed by former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige and served on the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education Board, which managed more than 400 million dollars of projects.
* Dr. Smith has experience in nearly every level of education, and he has taught several undergraduate and graduate classes in education, business, leadership, and religion. Prior to coming to Ohio Christian University, he was Vice President for Adult and Graduate Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University for five years. Under his leadership, his division grew from an enrollment of 2,500 students to nearly 10,100 students.
* Though he has been anxiously engaged in education his entire life, Dr. Smith has also made community service a priority. In fact, he currently serves on my Economic Advisory Team, and I rely on him for advice to improve our economy and higher education in Ohio. He has lead many community projects and assisted in building education programs for the African–American community. He also served as treasurer of the Pickaway County Community Foundation.
* Though he has proved to be an astute businessman that has successfully grown his University, Dr. Smith remains first and foremost a man of great faith. Dr. Smith is marred to his wife Debbie, and they are the parents of two sons, Douglas and Micah.
* While serving as an administrator for Management Resources Incorporated at Hope mont Hospital in Terra Alta, West Virginia, Dr. Smith served as senior pastor of the Terra Alta Wesleyan Church and was Assistant Superintendent for the West Virginia District. He has published scores of articles for professional and church organizations, and coauthored ‘‘Leading a Change in Your World'' with Larry Lindsay.
* Dr. Smith graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts degree from Hobe Sound Bible College in West Palm Beach, Florida. He attended Kansas University's Graduate School, and graduated with a Master of Science degree in college teaching from Northeastern State University. In 1995, he graduated from West Virginia University with a Doctor of Education degree, with a dissertation titled: ‘‘The Role of the College President.'' Later, he completed Harvard University's Institute of Educational Management for Executive Management.
* I appreciate Dr. Smith for taking the time to be with us today, and thank him for his thoughtful prayer and the kind words he shared.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Dear Heavenly Father,
It is with praise and thanksgiving that we celebrate this day. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
As we prepare for this session of the People's House, may the wisdom of the Almighty flow to the hearts and minds of all those entrusted with the preservation of our great freedom!
May the Spirit of God cause our leaders to detest evil practices and embrace truth and righteousness. May each government official be blessed with your protection and grace.
And may the warmth and smile of the loving God find its place in each person's heart here today.
We also ask for the protection of the great men and women serving around the world who defend our democracy. We pray these things in the sacred name of our Holy God. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory