Bio

Aubrey K. Smith, Jr., DHA, MHA is an Adjunct Instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he teaches in the Bachelor of Science in Health Services Program and the Honors College. Professionally, he serves as the Associate Director of Graduate Studies in Georgetown University's Department of Health Management and Policy, supporting graduate program operations, student success, and strategic academic initiatives within the department.

AJ is a healthcare administration and higher education leader with interests in organizational leadership, strategic operations, and healthcare management education. His professional background includes administrative experience within leading pediatric academic medical centers, including Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where he supported enterprise-wide initiatives related to operational and financial analysis, strategic planning, process improvement, and executive communications.

AJ's teaching experience includes courses in healthcare delivery systems, professions, leadership, and policy. He prioritizes a blended, practice-oriented approach that emphasizes applied learning and supports students as emerging healthcare professionals and leaders. He is committed to ongoing professional development and continuously seeks opportunities to strengthen his teaching and leadership practice.

AJ is involved with the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) as a reviewer for undergraduate program certification and is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). He earned a Doctor of Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University, a Master of Health Administration from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Operations and Supply Chain Management), with a minor in Leadership Studies, from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also completed the AUPHA Certificate for Teaching in Healthcare Management.