Honoring Leadership and Legacy: East High Principal Mikki Smith Reflects on 30 Years in Education and Military Service

In January 2025, East High School Principal Mikki Smith announced her retirement, wrapping up a 30-year career in education as a principal, assistant principal, school counselor in MMSD. All the while, Smith was also a Major in the U.S. Army, serving in active duty in Germany and Iraq. No matter the role or location, Smith has demonstrated the positive impact a strong leader has on the community. Learn more about her inspirations and lessons learned across her careers as we uplift her dedication during Women’s History Month. 

Q: What roles have you held in your career?

This is my 30th year in education, as well as more than 26 years in the U.S. Military. In June 2024, I retired as a Major in the U.S. Army.

Educational Career

• 1995-96: Academic Counselor with the Star Program at La Follette High School
• 1996-97: K-12 Counseling Internship at La Follette High School
• 1997-98:  Home School Coordinator at Lowell Elementary
• 1998-99:  Principal Internship at Lowell Elementary
• 1999-2002:  Assistant Principal at Sun Prairie High School
• 2002-05:  Assistant Principal at West High School
• 2005-11:  Assistant Principal at La Follette High School
• 2011-21:  Assistant Principal at East High School
• 2021-25:  Principal at East High School

Military Career

• 1985-1988: 3 Years Active Duty as a Medical Specialist in Frankfurt, Germany
• 2000-2024: 16 years in the WI National Guard and 7-1/2 in the Army Reserve as a Transportation and Logistics Officer
• 2009-2010 Deployed to Iraq

Q: What encouraged you to join the military?

My dad was in the Marines and he always talked about the military and the opportunities it could provide. After my freshman year of college, I realized I couldn’t afford to continue without taking out a huge loan. I had toyed with the idea of joining the military, so I joined in 1985, primarily for the GI Bill so I could pay for college. 

I also knew I would get the chance to travel. Being stationed in Germany allowed me to travel to many different counties, including Italy, France, Czechoslovakia and Russia. I had a three year enlistment. I then left the military to finish my degree. The GI Bill paid for my undergrad and most of my grad degree. I had a 12 year break in service. I rejoined the Army-Wisconsin National Guard in 2000. The experiences I gained through the military shaped my perspective and gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. 

Q: What inspired you to continue growing in your career, all the way up to principal?

What inspired me to continue growing in my career was the desire to create meaningful change for students who were not succeeding and felt they didn’t belong, particularly students of color.

As a counselor, I saw firsthand the barriers students of color faced, and I know that moving into administration would allow me to have a greater impact on shaping school culture and procedures. Becoming a principal gave me the opportunity to lead with equity at the forefront, ensuring that all students felt a sense of belonging and had the support they needed to succeed.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories or proudest moments during your time as principal?

Some of my fondest memories as a principal have been watching students who struggled walk across the stage at graduation, knowing the obstacles they faced was always an incredibly proud moment. Also, watching students and teachers pull together through challenges and support one another has been truly inspiring. 

Q: What advice do you have for educators interested in taking on a leadership role?

Take care of yourself and maintain a strong support system. Surround yourself with a great team and lean on them. This is really hard work–mentally, emotionally and physically. Balance the challenging parts of the job with the positives and celebrate success. 

Q: Who are some women who have inspired you, and what lessons have you learned from them?  

I have been inspired by many incredible women throughout my journey, including my Aunt Kay, a remarkably strong, principled woman, as well as retired principals Chris Hodge and Linda Allen. As Black educators, their passion for education and commitment to equity has left a lasting impact on me.

My principal mentor, Sue Abplanalp, has also been a guiding force. What has inspired me most about these women in leadership was their strength and compassion and their ability to navigate challenges with grace, uplift those around them, and always strive to do the next right thing.

Q: What impactful skills or perspectives did you gain in the military that you still use today?

I think many of the skills and perspectives I gained in the military continue to serve me to this day. The military taught me the importance of structure and leadership, which definitely helps in leading a school.

I worked with people from different walks of life and learned to work and with those who had different viewpoints. I feel that I have an appreciation for students, families and staff. Their unique experiences and perspectives help me grow as a leader and make better decisions that serve the entire school community. Also, the military demands and constant changes instilled in me a remarkable adaptability which I think helps me navigate the complexities of leading a high school.