Dr. Zelphine Smith-Dixon completed various educational studies: K-12 education in Orangeburg Consolidated School District #3; Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (Columbia College); Master of Education Degree in Elementary Education (South Carolina State University); and a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership (Nova Southeastern University).

Dr. Smith-Dixon has a longstanding history in improving achievement for schools in SC and GA.  She received the following accolades: Tri-County Special Educator of the Year, Vance-Providence Elementary Teacher of the Year and Orangeburg Consolidated School District Three Alternate District Teacher of the Year.  In April 2018, Columbia College presented her with the Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award.

She was the State Director for the Division for Special Education at the Georgia Department of Education. Zelphine served as the Board President for the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). In addition to this past role, she currently serves as a key stakeholder and/or cadre advisor for the National IDEA Data Center, National Technical Assistance Center on Transition, Gates Foundation K-12 Education to Work Foundation, and the National Center on Intensive Intervention.