• Ph D, Political Science, University of Connecticut, 1999
• MS, Criminal Justice, University of New Haven, 1980
• BA, Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, 1975

• South Dakota Democracy Project, Chiesman Foundation, (2002 - 2004)

Citations listed below are presented in a standardized, modified format for display purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the preferred style and conventions of the faculty member or discipline.

• Smith, Elizabeth, and Mark, Boyer. Desinging Your Own In-Class Simulations: Design Advice and a "Commons" Simulation Example. In Handbook on Teaching and Learning in Political Science and International Relations, editors John Ishiyama, editor. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2015.
• Smith, Elizabeth. Promoting Sustainable Local and Community Economic Development., Editors Ali Farazmand, 3. Vol. 11, Iss. June 2011 Public Organization Review, 2011. (DOI: 10.1007/s11115-010-0154-z)
• Molina, Tony, Smith, Elizabeth, and Braunstein, Richard. Promoting Student Political Engagement and Awareness at the University of South Dakota. In Peer Review, 22-24. Vol. 10, Iss. 2/3

• Blair and Linda Tremere Faculty Service Award, College of Arts and Sciences, 2014
• South Dakota Humanities Scholar, South Dakota State Historical Society, 2011
• Pi Alpha Alpha Induction, Pi Alpha Alpha, National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, 2010
• Professor of the Year, Political Science Graduate Students, 2010
• Richard and Sharon Cutler Award in Liberal Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, 2008
• Belbas-Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of South Dakota, 2005
• Leader of the Year, Vermillion Chamber Development Company, 2005
• Captain of the Corps of Discovery, City of Vermillion, 2004
• Carnegie U.S. Professor of the Year, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and CASE, 2004

• Smith, Elizabeth, Is It Time to Ditch the Death Penalty?., Sioux City Iowa. (September 30, 2013)
• Smith, Elizabeth, Prynne, Petraeus and Propriety: The Scarlet Letter and the Public Service. Presented at the Great Plains Political Science Association Annual Meeting, Hastings, NE. (September 28, 2013)
• Smith, Elizabeth, and Swan, Robert, When Efficiency Trumps Accountability: A recent history of prison finance. Presented at the Annual Meeting of ABFM, Omaha, NE. (October 09, 2010)
• Smith, Elizabeth, and Swan, Robert, When Efficiency Trumps Accountability: a recent history of prison finance. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Great Plains Political Science Association, University Center, Sioux Falls, SD. (September 18, 2010)
• Smith, Elizabeth, and Swan, Robert, Stealth Prisons: Certificates of Participation (COPS) and . Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association, Chicago, IL. (April 23, 2010)
• Smith, Elizabeth, Braunstein, Richard, and , The Democratic Paradox: Social Capital vs. Political Capital. Presented at the Midwest Political Science Association Meeting, Chicago, IL. (April 15, 2004)
• Fairholm, Matthew, Smith, Elizabeth, Braunstein, Richard, Card, Michael, and Zell, J, Do South Dakotans Bowl At All? Developing Multidimensional Measures of Democratic Participation. Presented at the Great Plains Political Science Association Conference, Marshall, MN. (January 2003)
• Smith, Elizabeth, Laughing All the Way to the Polls: Cognitive Effects of Campaign Humor. Presented at the Midwest Political Science Association Meeting, Chicago, IL. (April 26, 2002)