Ken Smith has been an important part of the Wisconsin Conference for the last eleven years. During his time in Wisconsin, Ken has accomplished a lot as a leader in three of our schools: Milwaukee Seventh-day Adventist School, Green Bay Adventist Jr. Academy, and his latest position as principal of Wisconsin Academy.
In Milwaukee, Ken expanded the school by opening two additional campuses. The teachers who worked with him in Milwaukee still reach out from time to time to check on him and ask for advice. Ken is always happy to help. In Green Bay, Ken provided administrative support while also teaching some classes.
One of his areas of strength is campus facility improvement. In all three schools, Ken has left each looking better than the way he found it. His accomplishments range from beautifying the campus to major maintenance projects.
During his time at Wisconsin Academy, Ken was able to make many needed repairs on campus. He accomplished this by pulling together a group of generous donors, a talented maintenance crew, and hard-working volunteers with the common goal of making Wisconsin Academy a wonderful place for future generations.
Alumni, students, parents, donors, and staff are happy with the improvements and are excited for the future of the school. Some local volunteers valued Ken so much that when they replaced the old foot bridge across the Crawfish River, the new bridge was named in his honor: “Ken’s Crossing.” Although Ken is leaving Wisconsin Academy, the bridge will serve as a reminder that part of him will always remain with us here in Wisconsin.
Another major strength for Ken is his ability to work well with a team. His staff at Wisconsin Academy are sad to see him go and some shared with us that he is the “finest administrator they have ever worked with.” The theme was repeated by other staff who shared of his ability to listen to their ideas and empower them to follow through with plans that would help the school succeed.
Ken is a kind and humble man. He sees the good in other people and is always speaking of the talents of those that work around him. He makes it known how lucky he feels to be working with such a talented group of individuals. Ken always acknowledges that the fantastic things happening on campus are because of the staff. He does not want to bring any glory to himself. He leads by example.
Ken is willing to go wherever God leads. Right now, he feels it is God’s leading to retire in Idaho after leaving Wisconsin Academy. Many of his family members live in Idaho and he looks forward to spending more time with them.
In getting to know Ken, one learns that he lives his life in a certain way. Ken’s favorite verse must be John 9:4. “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent us. The night is coming when we can do no work.” Another quote Ken lives by is, “Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” -Benjamin Franklin.
“It doesn’t take great men to do things, but it is doing things that make men great.” -Arnold Glasow. Ken’s heartfelt desire is that the schools he has served will continue to improve, thrive, and fulfill their mission.
People who have have had the privilege to know Ken Smith have benefited greatly! His willingness to listen, work ethic, Godly attitude, good advice, wisdom that comes from a lifelong career in education, and creativity in finding ways of improving the campuses have made him a huge asset to have as a boss, administrator, or friend. We are thankful for his dedicated service. Ken will be greatly missed here in the Wisconsin Conference.
Debbie Darnall, Associate Superintendent for Education and
Sue Nelson, Superintendent for Education
