Welcome to the second of a three-part series on Phi Theta Kappa at Tarrant County College. Meet Dr. Dantrayl Smith, one of 25 administrators internationally to win the PTK Distinguished Administrator award.
FORT WORTH, Texas – Dantrayl Smith, director of student development services at Tarrant County College South, has been named a Distinguished College Administrator by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honor society for two-year colleges and community colleges.
The award recognizes new administrators for their efforts that lead to student success. Twenty-five honorees were chosen this year from among thousands of college leaders eligible to receive it.
“Although you were nominated by the highest-achieving students on your campus, it truly reflects your commitment to the success of all students,” PTK President and CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner wrote Smith. She said the students appreciate Smith’s dedication, knowing he supports their learning and the success of others like them.
“Because of you,” she said, “they have a richer, more meaningful college experience.”
Two years ago, Smith took responsibility for the PTK grant to increase participation and address the needs of students in the organization. He worked with the group to build PTK awareness around the campus.
Calling Smith a “tireless advocate for student success,” TCC South President Dan Lufkin said he “always puts TCC students first and ensures they have the resources they need to thrive.”
Smith considers PTK an important factor in student success, saying it enriches the educational experience and career prospects. “It fosters a sense of community among high-achieving students and supports their academic and professional journeys,” he said.
“This is important work, and I feel honored to receive such a high-level award in support of it.”
Smith’s passion for higher education started as an undergraduate at Iowa State University. He realized that he was good at guiding students on successful pathways. He connected with the associate vice president for student affairs, who became his mentor and helped develop his gift for that branch of college work.
In 2014 Smith earned his PhD in higher education administration with an emphasis on student affairs from the University of North Texas. He joined TCC in 2017 as coordinator for the Intercultural Network at TCC Trinity River, and he advanced in 2022 to director of student development services at TCC South.
What does Smith want those considering TCC to know about the College and the education they will receive?
“TCC offers a supportive and dynamic educational environment that caters to a wide range of student aspirations,” he said. “It emphasizes quality education, student success and community engagement where students can achieve their academic and professional goals while preparing for a successful future.”
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.
Watch for the final installment of this series: “Connecting for student success: At PTK it’s all about the people.”