Women in Business: Northshore Technical Community College

Owen Smith

Dean of Campus Administration at Northshore Technical Community College Lacombe, Louisiana

Owen Smith brings heart, hustle, and a whole lot of purpose to her role as Dean of Campus Administration at Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC). Since joining the college in 2015, she’s been a driving force behind student success, community engagement, and workforce innovation across Southeast Louisiana.

With over 20 years in leadership and 10 years in higher education, Owen leads with a student-first mindset and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Computer Science from Grambling State University and her master’s in Adult Education and Organizational Development from Northwestern State University - completed during the height of the pandemic. Her journey mirrors the resilience and determination she sees in NTCC students every day.

But for Owen, NTCC isn’t just a community collegeit’s a launchpad for real change. “We’re not a fallback option,” she says. “We are a true college experience that prepares students to shape their futures with purpose, confidence, and the skills to succeed in life and work.”

Owen has been recognized with the Outstanding Professional Staff Award by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, along with NTCC’s Chancellor Gem Awardacknowledgments of her commitment to creating pathways that lead to real opportunities.

Outside of NTCC, she serves on the Northshore Community Health System Governing Board and is a proud member of the Professional Women of St. Tammany. She lives in Slidell with her husband, Dr. Darryl A. Smith, Ph.D. She is mom to Ona and Jessica, and “Gammy” to grandson Omare.

Her mantra?

“Keep moving forward. No matter what, just keep going.”

65556 Centerpoint Blvd, Lacombe, LA 70445 • (985) 545-1500 • northshorecollege.edu