Women to Watch at UA Little Rock: Kristie Smith

In celebration of Women’s History Month, UA Little Rock is profiling women in leadership positions who are making a difference at the university and in the community.

The next Woman to Watch at UA Little Rock of 2025 is Kristie Smith – principal broker and instructor of KSmith Properties Realty and Real Estate Institute. She is also a  dedicated member of the UA Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. 

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I’m from Little Rock and I  graduated high school from Mills University Studies High School. I’m a wife and mom of two teenage boys. I worked in marketing prior to getting into real estate. I’ve been teaching and practicing real estate for close to 15 years. I like to decompress with yoga.

What brought you to UA Little Rock as a student?

Honestly, it was a mix of opportunity and timing that brought me to UA Little Rock. I was at a point in my life where I knew I wanted to continue my education, but I needed a place that felt accessible — somewhere I could balance school, work, and life all at once. UA Little Rock checked all those boxes.

I’ve always had a love for communications and psychology — understanding people, how we connect, and what drives us — and UA Little Rock gave me the chance to dive into those areas while also building a foundational understanding for business and entrepreneurship.

Plus, being in the heart of the city meant I could stay close to my family, work, and apply what I was learning in the classroom. Looking back, UA Little Rock allowed me to explore many areas of interest and it really shaped the path I’m on now.

What was your time as a student like?

My time as a student was probably as interesting as any other nontraditional student. It was filled with a little bit of everything. It was honestly a mix of hustle, growth, and figuring things out — in the best way possible. I didn’t have the typical college experience, but UA Little Rock taught me resilience, gave me confidence, and laid the groundwork for the career paths I’ve explored since. 

What is your current position and professional duties?

Currently, I am a principal real estate broker and a principal real estate instructor in companies I started five years ago. Both of those roles are multifaceted and essential in the marketplace. I create courses that cover all of the essential aspects of the real estate industry, including property law, finance, ethics, fair housing, professional safety, as well as state laws and regulations.

I design curriculum, according to the requirements by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission, ensuring regulatory compliance. For me, that means staying abreast of real estate market trends, regulations, and ethical standards. 

I have enjoyed being able to equip current and aspiring real estate professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for their success in the industry.

What is your current position and duties as a board member at UA Little Rock?

I’m going into my fifth year serving on the UA Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. I also chair the Membership Committee, where our main focus is keeping alumni connected to the university. We reach out to those who’ve been part of UA Little Rock and invite them to stay involved. Those membership fees and other fundraisers go towards scholarships.

Just this week at GradFest, we welcomed 95 new members to the Alumni Association. That’s really exciting! Our committee works year-round to keep the alumni network active, growing, and engaging. We want graduates to know that their connection to UA Little Rock doesn’t end after they leave. It’s just the beginning of being part of a larger community.

How have you been involved in volunteering with UA Little Rock throughout your career?

I’ve always loved supporting our sports teams. We’ve got some really talented student-athletes, and it’s fun to watch them compete. One of my favorite things has been participating with my kids in the summer aquatics program led by the UA Little Rock swim team. They learned to swim and were taught by some of the best at UA Little Rock. It was such a cool experience and just one of those moments that reminded me how connected the university is to the community.

There’s always something going on at UA Little Rock, which makes it easy to stay involved and keep coming back. 

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

Without a doubt, my mom. I always joke that she was my favorite Boss Lady. Growing up, I watched her dive into one business venture after another. I can remember her at the kitchen table doing taxes with a number two pencil and a calculator, she just figured things out. What’s always stuck with me is how fearless she was about learning something new and taking risks. That mindset shaped how I approach life and business to this day.

I actually got into real estate because of her. She was in the business before me. I was about five months pregnant with my youngest at the time, and the goal was to build a flexible career. Fifteen years later, I’m still here, still at it.  

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that good leaders know how to listen. It’s not just about giving direction. It’s about really hearing the people you’re leading. Another important thing is knowing your stuff. I’ve learned that it’s hard to lead people well if you don’t understand the work you’re asking them to do. Knowledge builds trust, and it makes you a more effective leader when you’re trusted.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

First and foremost, stay true to who you are. Don’t let anyone influence you out of your personality. Your goals, or the things you’ve been working hard to achieve, are unique to you. I’ve seen so many women feel like they have to shrink or change to fit in — but you don’t have to do that. The right rooms will receive you for showing up as your authentic self.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I’m kind of quirky. I’ve always had a lot of different interests and love jumping into new things, which sometimes surprises people. When they see me juggling multiple projects, it’s not just for the sake of being busy. It’s just a part of who I am. I’ve always embraced that energy, even when it looks a little unconventional to others.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“I won’t let others stoke fear in my heart. I will remain true to who I am and where my dreams direct me.” Brendon Burchard