ELLISVILLE – Jones College Geography and History instructor Dr. Caleb Smith was honored as the Mississippi Humanities Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Humanities Council (MHC) which recognizes excellence in humanities instruction across the state. Smith was honored for this accomplishment during a campus presentation where he delivered a lecture titled, “How the School of Popular Culture Unites, Divides and Shapes Our Perceptions.” The presentation examined how film, television, music, and digital media influence understanding, identity, and historical memory. He will join 29 other faculty members statewide in Jackson, on March 20 at the MHC’s annual banquet honoring the state’s Humanities Teacher of the Year recipients.
“Popular culture is often the first exposure people have to history, geography, or social issues,” Smith said. “Movies, television shows, and social media shape how students think long before they ever walk into a classroom.”
During his presentation, Smith explained how popular culture can create shared experiences that bring people together, while also reinforcing stereotypes, spreading misinformation, or deepening divisions. Using examples ranging from classic films to viral Internet trends, Smith encouraged students to question what they consume and remain open to learning beyond first impressions.
“I see students come in with ideas about history shaped by movies or television,” Smith said. “Those depictions aren’t always accurate, but they give us a starting point for meaningful conversations.”
Rachel Lott, the MHC Communications Manager, said Smith exemplifies the mission of the council to promote thoughtful engagement with the humanities.
“Each year, the Mississippi Humanities Council honors educators who demonstrate the vital role the humanities play in creating informed and engaged citizens,” Lott said. “Dr. Smith’s passion, creativity, and ability to connect with students make him a standout educator, as well as this year’s recipient as Humanities Teacher of the Year at Jones College.”
As part of the award, Smith received a cash prize and will be recognized alongside other honorees from colleges and universities statewide during a ceremony in Jackson this spring. Smith said the recognition reflects the collaborative environment at Jones College.
“This honor means a lot to me because there are so many incredible educators here,” Smith said. “I work with some of the best people, and I’m grateful for the support of the administration, faculty, and staff. I’m living the dream and doing exactly what I wanted to do since I was 13 years old.”
Smith advised the audience to be more aware of how our culture shapes us and how it’s always changing. He encouraged the audience to learn and change with the culture, but he also cautioned that cultural influences are not always positive.
“The humanities help us understand who we are and where we come from,” Smith said. “If we’re willing to stay curious and teachable, culture doesn’t just shape us, we can help shape it too. The biggest takeaway from this is that we should not just let the world around us dictate what we should do or how we should feel. Each individual should determine their own path and beliefs. You can always change the world around you.”
Smith has taught at Jones College since 2008, beginning his career in Adult Education before joining the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and both a master’s degree and doctorate from The University of Southern Mississippi. His academic work focuses on cultural geography and history, with an emphasis on the American South.
Beyond the classroom, Smith serves as president of the Jones College Faculty Staff Association and advises the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. He is also active in community outreach, frequently presenting historical lectures to local schools and organizations, including several presentations at the Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers.