Dr. Mark J.T. Smith Inducted as Honorary Member of Iota Phi Theta

Dr. Mark J.T. Smith, a two-time Olympian and distinguished scholar renowned for his research in speech and imaging processing, as well as object detection and recognition, has been inducted as an Honorary Member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. The announcement was made today during the fraternity’s biennial Leadership Conference.

Dr. Smith’s academic journey is marked by excellence and groundbreaking contributions. He received his undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and both his master’s degree and doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology. His academic achievements are paralleled by his athletic prowess; Dr. Smith is a two-time Olympian, having represented the United States in fencing in 1980 and 1984. He retired as the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Texas-Austin and served as Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

Founded in 1963 on the campus of Morgan State University, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity is deeply rooted in the civil rights movement. The fraternity’s 60th anniversary last year coincided with the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington. This legacy of advocacy and social justice continues to shape the organization’s core principles of Scholarship, Citizenship, Leadership, Fidelity, and Brotherhood.

Dr. Sean D. Housen, Sr., the 23rd International Grand Polaris of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., expressed pride in welcoming Dr. Smith and the other inductees. “We are excited and proud to welcome into our Brotherhood four men who have lived exemplary lives and who have represented our fine tradition of strong citizenship and leadership,” Housen stated. “Today, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. welcomes retired Capitol Hill Police Officer Harry Dunn; the Honorable Lioneld Jordan, the five-term mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas; retired Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Texas Austin, Dr. Mark J.T. Smith; and Chief Edgardo (Eddie) Garcia of the Dallas, Texas Police Department. We welcome these men and convey to them our gratitude for their public service.”

Brian Love, Chairman of Iota Phi Theta’s Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of the new honorary members. “These four remarkable public servants are ideal for this honor. Their lives and commitment to public service are in alignment with the history and practices of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Each man, in his own way, has contributed greatly to his community. We admire the commitment and determination of this class of Honorary Members. Your exceptional achievements and contributions in your respective fields have not only earned you this esteemed recognition but have also set a benchmark of excellence and inspiration for all of us. We are excited to welcome these men into our Brotherhood and know that our Members are eager to fellowship with our new Honorary Brothers.”

Dr. Housen added, “Iota reserves Honorary Membership for those citizens who represent our ideals and are exemplary in their public service. We take seriously the honor of bestowing our colors – Brown and Gold – upon any man. We say ‘It takes a Man’ to be an Iota and we say that to note it takes a serious, committed, intelligent, and selfless individual to be an Iota. We pride ourselves on producing leaders who do not seek the spotlight but whose passion is public service and contributing to building a better world. Officer Harry Dunn, Mayor Lioneld Jordan, Dr. Mark J.T. Smith, and Chief Eddie Garcia are four such men. It is my honor to welcome them into our Brotherhood and to call them Iotas and my Brothers.”