Corinne Smith, director of Appalachian GEAR UP and deputy director of the Office of Rural Promise (ORP), has been elected to serve a three-year term on the NCCEP (National Council for Community and Education Partnerships) Board of Directors as Partnership Constituent Director, beginning on January 1, 2026. NCCEP is the national association for GEAR UP and works to support the mission of programs around the country.
As the only GEAR UP partnership grant board member, Corinne was elected by her peers to help shape the future of NCCEP while amplifying the mission of GEAR UP nationwide. Board member duties include helping to provide financial oversight including budget approval; providing program leadership and support related to organizational priorities; and serving as a liaison between NCCEP and its members across the country. Joining a group of 11 highly distinguished national education leaders, Corinne expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity and is excited to serve GEAR UP in this new capacity.
“I’m honored to have the trust of the national GEAR UP community to serve on the board—especially at such a critical time when we must demonstrate excellence, prove our impact, and mobilize together. I look forward to uplifting the voices from across the GEAR UP community to advance NCCEP’s mission — a mission I am deeply committed to — in ways that keep students first and strengthen our collective efforts,” said Smith.
Corinne's history at Appalachian State is defined by her skills as a strategist and grant writer. In the last five years, her leadership in grant writing helped the Office of Rural Promise to successfully secure over $90 million in grants, which ensures the long-term viability of the program while funding vital initiatives such as student enrichment and family engagement. Her decade of service has been instrumental in transforming both the scale and the depth of the organization's impact.
“Corinne is exceptionally well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors for NCCEP. She brings over a decade of experience leading large-scale GEAR UP grants, with demonstrated expertise in translating implementation, compliance, and rigorous research into measurable impact,” said Dr. Jim Beeler, executive director of the Office of Rural Promise. “Corinne’s leadership in state and national advocacy, combined with her proven ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships, positions her to be a highly effective and influential contributor to the NCCEP Board.”
NCCEP president Alex Chough remarked, “We are thrilled that Corinne will be joining the NCCEP board and our community will benefit from her experience, insights, and guidance. Having been elected by her peers speaks volumes about Corinne’s leadership and contributions to GEAR UP.”
Throughout her ten-year tenure with GEAR UP, Corinne has consistently championed a bold vision for student achievement. Under her dynamic leadership, Appalachian GEAR UP underwent substantial expansion, nearly doubling its reach across the region. The program grew from serving ten school districts and 49 schools to supporting 17 districts and 99 schools, effectively increasing the number of students served from 14,000 to over 26,000.
Corinne Smith delivers remarks while accepting the GEAR UP Professional of the Year award in 2025.
GEAR UP Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Rural Promise Corinne Smith to serve on NCCEP Board of Directors
GEAR UP Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Rural Promise Corinne Smith to serve on NCCEP Board of Directors