Smith received the 2017 Mary Smith Arnold Anti-Oppression Award from ACA’s Association of Counselors for Social Justice, which honors professional counselors and educators who have an exemplary record of challenging multiple forms of oppression in the counseling professions and in their local schools and communities.

He was recognized for his leadership as president of the Florida Counseling Association in working with organizations and community groups to facilitate peaceful dialogue following the controversial 2012 shooting of black teen Trayvon Martin in Florida.

Smith was also elected as President-Elect of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development.