Dora Valentine Smith was born on February 14, 1893 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She earned her B.A. in 1916, M.A. in 1919 and Ph.D. in 1928, all from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Smith joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 1928 as an assistant professor in the College of Education. She was promoted to associate professor in 1933 and professor or general education in 1937. Dr. Smith was a leader in developing the English curriculum of secondary schools throughout the country. From 1945-1958, she served as director and editor of the National Council of Teachers of English study of the English curriculum for students in kindergarten through graduate school. Dr. Smith retired from the University of Minnesota as professor emeritus in 1958. Dora Smith died on January 28, 1985.
From the guide to the Dora V. Smith papers, 1950-1960s, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University Archives [uarc])
