A Beacon of Light for Others To Follow

Trinity University education professor Heather Haynes Smith ’97, M’98, Ph.D., has been named one of the 12 recipients of the San Antonio Express-News “SA Lights” Award, an honor recognizing individuals in the San Antonio community who make significant contributions through their passion, dedication, and service. This prestigious award highlights members of the greater San Antonio area who illuminate critical social issues and inspire change “from tackling food insecurity and housing challenges to driving bold advancements in education, technology, and medical spaces” (SA Lights, 2024).

Smith, who has devoted her career to advocacy for disability rights, education equity, and community-building, exemplifies the qualities celebrated in the award and by the University. As an educator, leader, and advocate, she is known on campus and by every person she meets for her tireless work to make the world a more inclusive, compassionate place for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

In early September, the University was the backdrop for one of Smith’s most celebrated contributions to the community: the 13th Annual Disability Inclusion and Awareness Fair. Hosted on campus, the event brought together organizations and community partners focused on supporting individuals with disabilities. With more than 20 resource tables, the fair offered opportunities for both education and service, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Smith, who is deeply committed to fostering a considerate and caring society, this fair is a natural extension of her work. As a professor at Trinity, Smith teaches not only the technical skills necessary for future educators but also the vital importance of empathy, kindness, and action, encouraging students to embrace vulnerability and understanding as tools for meaningful social change.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do work that aligns so closely with my values,” Smith shared in a recent interview. “Education isn’t just about teaching content, it is about teaching our students to care for each other.”

Beyond her work at Trinity, Smith’s impact stretches far into the San Antonio community. She has served on the boards of local organizations such as The Winston School of San Antonio and CAMP (Children’s Association for Maximum Potential), where she has helped to ensure children have every tool possible to succeed. She is also an appointed member of the Impact Council for the United Way.

Smith’s leadership, both on campus and in the community, has advanced important causes and inspired countless individuals to take action. Trinity students who have taken her courses and been influenced by the light that she radiates have gone on to become leaders in their own right, committed to justice, inclusion, and service.

As one of the 2024 “SA Lights” awardees, Heather Haynes Smith’s steadfast dedication to making San Antonio a better place for all continues to inspire both her students and the broader community. Through her work, she shows that even the smallest moments of kindness and actions of understanding can light the way toward a brighter future for everyone.