Christina Smith

Christina Smith was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception she’s had since joining the Knox Office of Advancement this summer. 

“I have never felt more genuinely welcome than on my first day at Knox,” Smith said. “Everybody has been so friendly and so helpful.”

She’s also amazed that even her academic pedigree hasn’t caused a stir. “All the alumni I’ve met so far have kindly forgiven me for being a Monmouth grad,” she said with a smile.

A native of Wauconda, Illinois, Smith graduated in 2014 with a degree in communications and public relations. For the last several years, she has been the director of development for KCCDD, which provides opportunities for individuals living with developmental disabilities in Knox County. She was classmates at Monmouth with Adam Ruble, Knox’s regional director of philanthropy, who encouraged her to join the Knox community.

Many of her responsibilities will focus on working with Knox alumni and parents. 

“Knox alumni are really passionate about being able to give back to the college, whether financially or through internships, or just spreading the word about the incredible place Knox is. I can’t wait to be part of supporting those efforts.” 

Parents of Knox students are a huge part of what makes Knox so special. On Move-in Day, she and other members from the Office of College Engagement provided popsicles and water to parents and students. She’s planning to find ways to connect parents not only with Knox, but also with the larger area.

She’s also looking forward to using her knowledge of the Galesburg community in her new role. 

“Both the Galesburg community and the Knox College community have so much to offer each other, and I look forward to bringing about some strong connections between the two,” she said.

Christina is married to Ian, who is also a Monmouth alumnus. They have a son, Wesley, who is 18 months old.

Smith arrived at Knox just as plans were underway for the first fall Homecoming since the Covid-19 pandemic, so she’s sure this will be a special event. “It’s going to be great to have people back on campus. Partnering it with Family & Friends weekend will make it really unique and exciting,” she said.