Christopher E. Smith, J.D., Ph.D.
Author/Commentator
Brief Resume [for complete CV, see button below]
Academic Positions
Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice
Professor Emeritus (2025-current)
Professor (1998-2025); Associate Professor (1994-1998)
University of Akron, Department of Political Science
Associate Professor (1992-1994); Assistant Professor (1987-1992)
University of Connecticut-Hartford, Political Science
Part-time instructor (1985-1987)
Connecticut State Community College-Asnuntuck, Prison Education Program
Part-time instructor of American Government (1986)
Other
Acting Director, MSU School of Criminal Justice (2000)
Democratic congressional candidate, Michigan's then-8th district (2017-2018)
Board Chairperson, Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence (2019-2024)
Acting Executive Director, Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence (2020-2024)
Education
Ph.D., University of Connecticut, 1988 [Political Science] Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
J.D., University of Tennessee, 1984 [Law] Order of Coif Honor Society
M.Sc., University of Bristol (U.K.), 1981 [Sociology] Rotary Graduate Fellowship
A.B., Harvard University, 1980 [Government] National Merit Scholar
Awards (selected examples)
Excellence in Teaching Award for Undergraduate Teaching in Criminal Justice, 2024
MSU School of Criminal Justice “Wall of Fame,” 2021 (lifetime achievement award)
Zolton Ferency Activist Achievement Award, 2019 (from Lansing, MI, civil liberties activists)
MSU College of Social Science Outstanding Teacher for 2012
MSU Nominee for National CASE Professor of the Year Competition, 2004, 2014
"Teacher-Scholar Award," 1997, Michigan State University, all-University faculty awards
Outstanding Faculty Award, 1989-90 (presented by the Univ. of Akron Bd of Trustees)
Outstanding Professor in the College of Arts & Sciences, 1990, University of Akron (based on campus-wide student voting sponsored by Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society)




