Educator, Cosmetologist, Educational Leader, and Adjunct Professor
Lori Yvette Smith is a proud San Luis Valley native, born in Alamosa, Colorado, and
a graduate of Alamosa High School, Class of 1983. Her professional journey reflects
a lifelong commitment to education, career and technical training, leadership, entrepreneurship,
and service to her community. As an educator, former school administrator, cosmetologist,
business owner, and adjunct professor at Trinidad State College, Lori brings a unique
combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and leadership expertise
to her work with students.
Following her high school graduation, Lori attended beauty college from 1983 to 1984
and began her career as a cosmetologist in a professional salon. Her experience in
the beauty industry eventually led her to business ownership, providing her with firsthand
knowledge of the technical skills, professionalism, customer service, and business
practices necessary for success in the cosmetology field. This early career experience
continues to influence her approach to preparing students for rewarding careers in
the beauty industry.
Lori pursued higher education at Adams State University, earning a bachelor’s degree
in broad-based liberal arts with minors in elementary education, science, mathematics,
and business administration. She continued her academic journey by earning two master’s
degrees, including a Master of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in
Educational Leadership. Her educational preparation, combined with her extensive professional
experience, established a strong foundation for her work as a classroom teacher, school
principal, and educational leader.
During her 33-year career in education, Lori served students, families, and school
communities throughout the San Luis Valley. She spent 11 years teaching first grade,
helping young learners develop essential academic skills and a strong foundation for
lifelong learning. She then served for 18 years as a kindergarten through second-grade
principal, supporting teachers, strengthening instructional practices, and promoting
positive learning environments. She also spent four years as a principal of an alternative
high school, working to provide students with additional pathways to academic achievement
and graduation.
After officially retiring from school administration, Lori chose to continue doing
what she loves most: educating and mentoring students. She currently teaches cosmetology
at Alamosa High School for two class periods and serves as an adjunct professor at
Trinidad State College. In these roles, she combines her background in cosmetology,
business ownership, classroom instruction, and educational leadership to help students
build technical skills, confidence, professionalism, and career readiness.
Lori’s experience across both K–12 education and postsecondary instruction gives her
a valuable understanding of the transition students make from high school into college,
technical training, and the workforce. She recognizes the importance of hands-on learning,
individualized instruction, strong student relationships, and connecting classroom
experiences to real-world career opportunities. Her commitment is to help students
recognize their potential, develop marketable skills, and prepare for successful futures.
As a lifelong resident of the San Luis Valley, Lori takes pride in serving the community
that has been her home throughout her life. Her continued work at Trinidad State College
represents an extension of her dedication to education and workforce development.
Through teaching, mentoring, and sharing decades of professional experience, she remains
committed to empowering students and supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.
Lori Yvette Smith’s career is a testament to lifelong learning, adaptability, and
service. From the cosmetology salon to the elementary classroom, school leadership,
alternative education, and college-level instruction, she has built a career centered
on helping others succeed. She continues to bring passion, experience, and a deep
commitment to student achievement to her work at Trinidad State College and throughout
the San Luis Valley.
