Karen G. Smith is currently the University Director of the Learning Resource Centers of Rutgers University. She has the distinction of designing, developing and directing learning assistance centers in three unique and different universities: Rutgers University, Tulane University, and New Mexico State University. Karen is a 25-year member of CRLA, is a past president (1983-84), NM state director (1975-77), workshop presenter at many conferences, and is currently archivist (1986-) and a member of the JCRL Editorial Board (1997-).

One of her proudest achievements is recognition by her peers in CRLA with the Long and Outstanding Service Award. In addition to her commitment to her membership in CRLA, Karen is a long-standing member of IRA and served as the New Mexico State President in 1977. She has consulted widely with other colleges and universities for over 20 years, in learning assistance center design and development, reading education in colleges and universities, and management and supervision in learning centers.