Vashti Smith, a cadet lieutenant in the University of Arkansas' Air Force ROTC program, is on track for a promising military career. In her third year of attendance at John Brown University Honors College, Cadet Smith is set to graduate in Tier Two of her academic class in International Business. Additionally, her demonstrated leadership has propelled her to be recognized as one of the top cadets in the Air Force ROTC program.

This past summer Cadet Smith attended Air Force ROTC's version of Basic Military Training, affectionately known as, "Field Training." Cadet Smith's outstanding performance earned her a stratification of #11 of 457 cadets; and garnered her selection as a Distinguished Graduate, an honor bestowed upon only the top 10% of trainees.

Furthermore, Cadet Smith is very active in JBU's co-curricular activities including the women's rugby team (2018-19 Regional Champions) and the Abila Archaeological Project, a research-based excavation effort in northern Jordan. Cadet Smith's adherence to the Air Force core value of "Service Before Self" is illuminated in her many philanthropic endeavors including: Feed My Starving Children, The Quail Ridge Living Center, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, and Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center. Cadet Smith's diverse contributions to society reflect great credit upon herself, John Brown University, and the University of Arkansas' Air Force ROTC program.