The North Carolina Mock Trial Program is pleased to name Jerry Smith, Jr. as its Executive Director. Smith, a resident of Arden, NC, is a licensed attorney in North Carolina and practiced as a civil litigator in Charleston, SC, in the 1990s. He earned an undergraduate from UNC- Chapel Hill, a JD from North Carolina Central University and an M.Ed. from George Mason University. He served 14 years on the Hendersonville City Council.
Smith taught high school Social Studies and English for more twenty-five years and coached the mock trial team at Hendersonville High School for 17 years, often to the State Finals competition. Smith also helped start the first mock trial team at Hendersonville Middle School.
Attorney Rebecca Britton, President of the Board of Directors, says, “After many years of success with limited staff and a large cadre of volunteers, we are so fortunate to have Jerry Smith leading the NC Mock Trial Program statewide as our executive director. His experience supporting students, volunteers, and attorney advisors in Henderson County will expand to lead North Carolinians across the state to make meaningful contributions to their communities and our state and nation.”
Smith attributes much of his success in Mock Trial to the dedication and perseverance of his students. His mentor and predecessor Paul Goebel, who coached a successful program at Hendersonville High School, and his assistant coach Kathryn Wells, who served as attorney advisor to Hendersonville’s teams for many years, have also been instrumental in his career.
Smith says, “From my days in the classroom and on Council, I have learned how to work with students and constituents with different points-of-view. I understand the importance of the NC Mock Trial Program continuing as an opportunity for North Carolina’s families from diverse backgrounds, and I look forward to expanding our program to reach as many young adults as we can.” Smith’s first day as Executive Director is July 1.
NC Mock Trial’s mission is to create engaged citizens through the hands-on learning activity of mock trial, thereby enabling students to gain the civic understanding, self-confidence, analytical reasoning, and communication skills that are vital for tomorrow’s leaders.
