R. Kent Smith has recently retired from full-time teaching at University College of Bangor, part of the University of Maine System, where he taught reading, study skills, and writing courses for nearly thirty years. He held the rank of Professor of Developmental Studies, and he also chaired the Developmental Studies program for nine years. Prior to entering college teaching, Smith taught in the Aurora, Illinois, public school system for twelve years. He earned his Doctorate of Education degree in language arts from the University of Maine. He has been a participant at numerous professional conferences, and his research and publications have been covered reading, writing, vocabulary,… spelling, study skills, and testing. He has served as co-editor of Forum for Reading, and he is currently a member of the editorial board for Research and Teaching in Developmental Education, a journal published by the New York College Learning Skills Association.