JC Smith ‘74
Man of Achievement

JC Smith honored with 2008 Man of Achievement Award

Phoenix, AZ — JC Smith was honored with the Man of Achievement by the Phi Kappa Theta Foundation. The Man of Achievement Award, started in 1980 and awarded by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, is the highest honor bestowed upon Brothers of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.  The award recognizes members who have risen to prominence in their chosen fields of endeavor. Smith was recognized during the Fraternity’s 2008 Leadership Institute in Phoenix, AZ.

Smith earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Ohio Northern University, where he was initiated into the Ohio Zeta chapter of Phi Kappa Theta. He then went on to obtain his Master’s degree in Special Education at California State University.

Smith was not only a student during his time at Ohio Northern, but he was also a 4-year starting quarterback for their football team. He set both season and career records for passing yards while he was at Ohio Northern. In 1974, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders, becoming the first ever player from Ohio Northern to sign with an NFL team. He later went on to play in the Canadian Football League for a couple years before transitioning into coaching. Following his football career, he became heavily involved in youth fundraising.

JC has been actively involved in professional organizations, including: Children’s Miracle Network, World Hunger Year, Plant It 2020, Operation Respect, and was on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Powers History Museum.