Miller Smith Recognized for Lifelong Commitment to Leadership and Service

October 30, 2026

The Rochester Business Journal has recognized Dr. Arlette Miller Smith, professor emerita, as a 2026 ICON honoring her contributions to education, diversity, community engagement, and the arts.

The ICON Honors recognizes leaders over the age of 60 whose careers have made a significant impact on the Rochester community through professional achievements of innovation, leadership, and service.

As a professor emerita and former founding dean of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs at St. John Fisher University, Miller Smith served as an educator, administrator, mentor, and advocate for students and others in the community for nearly five decades. Prior to becoming a founding dean, she was appointed as assistant dean in the Office of Diversity Programs and an assistant professor of English. Before retiring in 2021 as a professor emerita, Miller Smith was an associate professor in the Department of English, director of the African American studies minor, and a founding faculty member in the executive leadership doctoral program at the University.

Beyond her work in higher education, Miller Smith founded AKOMA, Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir, in 1995. With AKOMA’s Mother Nona Patterson Chambers (NPC) Scholarship Fund, the organization has awarded more than $315,000 in scholarships to African American female high school students pursuing higher education.

Miller Smith’s career contributions have earned numerous honors, including the Athena Finalist Award from the Greater Rochester Chamber Women’s Council in 2019, a Presidential Medal from the University in 2021, the LifeSpan Take It On Award, and the Women of Distinction Award from 136th District Assemblyperson Sarah Clark in 2026.

She continues to serve the Rochester community through roles of leadership in organizations such as Rochester’s American Association of University Women (AAUW), Baden Street Settlement Board of Directors, and the Rochester History Journal Editorial Board.

Miller Smith’s recognition as a 2026 Honoree reflects her career commitment to advancing education, fostering inclusion, and serving the Rochester community. Her impact continues to positively influence the community through the countless students, colleagues, and organizations she has inspired throughout her career.

This article was written by Olivia Bennett, a senior marketing major, who is working as an intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fisher for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Miller Smith Recognized for Lifelong Commitment to Leadership and Service 2026-10-30T14:09:00-04:00 The Rochester Business Journal has recognized Dr. Arlette Miller Smith, professor emerita, as a 2026 ICON honoring her contributions to education, diversity, community engagement, and the arts. The ICON Honors recognizes leaders over the age of 60 whose careers have made a significant impact on the Rochester community through professional achievements of innovation, leadership, and service. As a professor emerita and former founding dean of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs at St. John Fisher University, Miller Smith served as an educator, administrator, mentor, and advocate for students and others in the community for nearly five decades. Prior to becoming a founding dean, she was appointed as assistant dean in the Office of Diversity Programs and an assistant professor of English. Before retiring in 2021 as a professor emerita, Miller Smith was an associate professor in the Department of English, director of the African American studies minor, and a founding faculty member in the executive leadership doctoral program at the University. Beyond her work in higher education, Miller Smith founded AKOMA, Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir, in 1995. With AKOMA’s Mother Nona Patterson Chambers (NPC) Scholarship Fund, the organization has awarded more than $315,000 in scholarships to African American female high school students pursuing higher education. Miller Smith’s career contributions have earned numerous honors, including the Athena Finalist Award from the Greater Rochester Chamber Women’s Council in 2019, a Presidential Medal from the University in 2021, the LifeSpan Take It On Award, and the Women of Distinction Award from 136th District Assemblyperson Sarah Clark in 2026. She continues to serve the Rochester community through roles of leadership in organizations such as Rochester’s American Association of University Women (AAUW), Baden Street Settlement Board of Directors, and the Rochester History Journal Editorial Board. Miller Smith’s recognition as a 2026 Honoree reflects her career commitment to advancing education, fostering inclusion, and serving the Rochester community. Her impact continues to positively influence the community through the countless students, colleagues, and organizations she has inspired throughout her career. This article was written by Olivia Bennett, a senior marketing major, who is working as an intern in the at Fisher for the 2026-2027 academic year.