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Abilene A. Smith of Williston, Vermont, was awarded Montcalm Community College’s Distinguished Alumni Award during the college’s inaugural Centurion Awards Banquet on June 24.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award,” Smith said. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, not only as a reflection of my journey but also as a testament to the support, mentorship, and opportunities I’ve been fortunate to experience along the way. I hope this award serves as encouragement to others — especially students and young professionals — to keep striving for their goals, to believe in their potential, and to say yes to the opportunities that come their way, even when the path ahead is uncertain.”

The MCC Foundation established its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022 to honor an outstanding alumnus who has advanced their career and brought credit to themselves and to MCC through their accomplishments and embodiment of MCC’s values.

Smith, a 2004 graduate of MCC’s nursing program, has consistently pursued excellence in her field. Smith obtained her BSN in 2008 from the University of Phoenix. She further continued her education and, in 2015, earned her Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Health Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Smith’s career in nursing is vast and varied, with her previous work including clinical manager and nurse case manager, holding down multiple positions in patient rehabilitation and also working as a staff nurse in neurology and neurosurgery.

Smith found her stride when she began her teaching career as a clinical instructor at the University of Vermont. The timing of her hire coincided with the discovery that her son had nontraditional learning needs.

“Through years of tests, meetings, requests, and appeals, we finally were able to garner the proper learning environment where he could succeed,” Smith said. “After this experience, I strive to offer a diverse learning classroom to accommodate all types of learners without a request.”

Smith, who is now a clinical assistant professor at the University of Vermont, embodies a truly hybrid environment with her classes. Whether she’s pre-recording lectures or making her lecture interactive, she prides herself on meeting her students where they are in life to help them best succeed.

“This looks different each day and may include case studies or problem-based learning, trivia, small group collaboration, journal reviews, think pair share, concept mapping, patient teaching, online simulations, debates, and experiential learning,” Smith said. “I offer both online and in-person educational options for those who may not feel comfortable speaking up in large groups. I also offer one-on-one office hours for content review as well as an online discussion page for content questions.”

Through her experience as a nurse, Smith brings a holistic human perspective to the classroom, which has created a positive, safe environment for her students to thrive in.

“As a nurse, we see people in their most vulnerable scenarios,” Smith said. “Each of my patients deserves comfort, reassurance, to be valued, to feel safe, and a sense of connection. When we strip away all the drama of our world, we can see that all humans want and need the same basic elements. My students also deserve these same basic elements. Their experience is valued, my classroom is a safe space to speak up, and I strive to create opportunities for students to connect in each class session.”

Smith is an avid volunteer, serving on numerous medical committees, being a team captain at a shelter, and volunteering at her local library. In addition, she’s written multiplemedical research publications, including a piece on embracing lifelong learning as a nurse andco-authoring a piece on the well-being of nurses and their patients.

When looking back on her time at MCC, Smith fondly remembers those who she met along her path, whether it was students fresh out of high school, those seeking a second career or parents trying to balance their family life. MCC provided a place for all to learn and Smith’s instructors at MCC had a distinct impact on her career path.

“I vividly remember those moments when you question whether you’re really cut out for this work,” Smith said. “When my students struggle, I draw from those memories and meet them with empathy and encouragement. Just as my MCC instructors did for me, I strive to offer thoughtful, constructive feedback in a safe and supportive space. It’s important to me that my students feel both challenged and cared for — because that balance is what helped me grow, and I want to pay that forward.

“As a first-generation college student living in a rural area, access to higher education wasn’t something I took for granted,” she added. “MCC provided an opportunity that felt both attainable and empowering — it opened doors that may have otherwise remained closed to someone in my position. Today, as a nursing instructor, I carry that lesson with me. I’m committed to making nursing education accessible to all students, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face. I strive to create an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.”