St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman recently announced that Brandon Smith will join the Mathematics Department beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year.

Smith brings more than 25 years of experience in secondary and postsecondary education. He currently serves not only as chair of Wallace State Community College’s mathematics department but also as an instructor. At the college, he has spent 22 years leading faculty initiatives, guiding curriculum development, and strengthening student achievement through thoughtful, data-informed instruction. He will complete his service at Wallace State on June 1, marking his retirement from the college.

Throughout his career, Smith has taught students across the academic spectrum from remedial mathematics to advanced learners. The experience that has shaped his adaptable and student-centered approach. Earlier in his career, he served as a middle school mathematics teacher, developing curriculum aligned with state standards, coaching math teams, and fostering meaningful communication with students and families.

A graduate of The University of Alabama with a Master of Arts in Mathematics, Smith is known for his engaging classroom style and his ability to bring out the best in his students. He incorporates creative problem-solving techniques and enrichment strategies that go beyond traditional textbooks, often coaching competitive math teams to inspire confidence and excellence. He believes in building students up, celebrating their accomplishments, and publicly affirming their strengths to foster self-esteem and academic growth.

In fact, his influence has already uniquely touched the St. Bernard community. Over the years, Smith has taught several current members of the faculty, including Father Dominic, Father Paschal, and Kim Whaley.

When asked why he chose St. Bernard, Smith shared that he was ready for a new season. Drawn to the peaceful beauty of the campus and its calm, faith-filled atmosphere, he expressed his desire for a more reflective pace of life while continuing to do what he loves most—teaching. He is confident that his experience and passion for mathematics will be a strong fit for the school community.

Outside the classroom, Smith treasures time with his family. He and his wife, Sonjah, have been married for 31 years. They are the proud parents of Chrissi Hill and Zeb Smith, and grandparents to two granddaughters, Nayvi and Eloise.

Headmaster Phuong Nguyen expressed gratitude for Smith’s decision to join the St. Bernard family. “God always takes care of St. Bernard,” Nguyen said. “We are deeply thankful for His many blessings and for Smith’s generous ‘yes’ to our school. His experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to academic rigor will greatly benefit our students.”