LLC Names Alumnus Achievement Award Winner

The Rev. Kenin Smith will receive the Lake Land College 2016 Alumnus Achievement Award during the 49th annual Commencement Ceremony, Friday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House.

(REV. KENIN SMITH)

Originally from Oakland, Smith enrolled at Lake Land College as a member of the Livestock Judging Team and then transferred to Michigan State University, where he also served as a judging team member on the 1980 National Championship team. His background in agriculture shaped the early years of his career which has evolved into a life of service as a pastor and counselor.

Smith began his professional career with Michigan State University Extension as a livestock extension agent and returned to Illinois a few years later to join the University of Illinois Extension staff. In both positions, he worked with agriculture producers, families and youth.

Smith then joined the American Polled Hereford Association as a field representative. He then became associated with an insurance company and bank, renewing his focus on agriculture. In 1992, he became the district sales manager for DeKalb Genetics.

A few years later, Smith made a life changing decision.

"My life’s goal was to help people. While I loved working with agriculture producers and families, I felt a growing call and great opportunity to serve as a pastor," Smith said.

He and his wife made a commitment and moved to Highland, Ind., where he began a new career as an associate pastor with the Church of the Nazarene. He soon enrolled in courses and was ordained in 2001.

His ministry led him to Rensselaer, Ind. where he and his wife worked with a small group of parishioners to found the Hope Community in Rensselaer. He continues his life of ministry and has published a curriculum entitled Divorce Recovery that helps individuals move ahead with life.

Smith currently serves as a related services counselor for the Cooperative School Services where he provides guidance for students facing social and emotional challenges. He meets with families and guardians and provides educational training to staff in four schools.

"Kenin Smith has lived his life in service to others. Whether working with agriculture producers and families, his congregation at Hope Community or the students, faculty and families as a counselor, Smith has devoted his life to others," Nominator Larry Wilson said.

In addition to his life of service, Smith continues to give back to the agriculture community, spending his vacations each year serving in contests and fairs. He serves as the assistant superintendent of the North American International Livestock Exposition, Junior Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest and returns to his home state to serve the Illinois State Fair where he serves as the assistant superintendent junior beef.

Smith received an associate degree in ag transfer from Lake Land College in 1979 and transferred to Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree. He has a master's degree from the University of Illinois.

Smith and his wife Cherie have two children, Meg of Charlotte, N.C. and Evan and his wife Lydia of Champaign. All three work as local missionaries.