If you’ve walked across campus recently, you may have noticed a new addition near the Loren Walker Arena: the Rev. Dr. William Amos “Booker” Smith, Sr. Activity Hall. But who was Dr. Smith and why name a building after him?
Once you learn his story, the answer becomes pretty clear.
Dr. William Amos Smith, Sr. was the first Black graduate of Southeastern Community College (then Burlington Junior College). That milestone alone makes him a trailblazer, but it’s just the beginning.
Born in Hickman, Kentucky in 1911, Smith moved with his family to Burlington, where he quickly made a name for himself. He was the first Black student to graduate from Burlington High School, make the honor roll, and join the debate team. A few years later, he walked across the stage at Burlington Junior College in 1931, associate degree in hand. He led his class academically and earned athletic letters in football and track.
And then? He kept going.
He earned a Bachelor of Science from Drake University, studied philosophy in England, and eventually earned multiple master’s degrees in theology. He was ordained at Union Baptist Church in Burlington, the first Black minister to be ordained here. He served in World War II as a U.S. Army chaplain, earning the Bronze Star and four battle stars, and he even worked with General Eisenhower to improve morale among Black troops overseas.
That’s not just service. That’s impact.
Over the years, Dr. Smith pastored churches across the country and held teaching and leadership positions at colleges in Iowa, South Dakota, Georgia, and Florida. He believed in the power of education, not just to transform individuals, but entire communities.
That belief is something we still hold on to at SCC.
Which brings us back to campus.
In February 2025, SCC hosted a dedication and ribbon cutting for the new Rev. Dr. William Amos “Booker” Smith, Sr. Activity Hall. At 10,000 square feet, the space is more than just a building. It’s a hub for events, student life, and emergency shelter. It’s also a space built on the same values Dr. Smith lived by: resilience, education, service, and connection.
His daughter, Wilmetta, shared a message at the event:
“My father was a trailblazer. He believed in the power of education to uplift not just individuals, but entire communities. His legacy is alive in every student who walks through these doors, striving to build a better future.”
That line hit home.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what this place is all about. Opening doors. Paving the way. Walking forward with purpose, just like Dr. Smith did.
So the next time you pass by the new activity hall, take a moment to remember the man behind the name. His story is part of our story. And every student who walks through those doors becomes part of his legacy.
Want to learn more about Dr. Smith, the Activity Hall or SCC’s history?
- Explore the legacy of Rev. Dr. William Amos "Booker" Smith, Sr.
- Visit our news release
- Explore SCC’s past through our 100-year timeline