Clayton native earns university’s top healthcare honor
As graduation season inspires celebrations of academic achievement across the area, one Clayton resident is proving that learning doesn’t stop after high school, and that it’s never too late to pursue your passion.
The Town of Clayton proudly recognizes Trisha Smith, a longtime resident and 1997 graduate of Clayton High School, for her outstanding accomplishments in higher education and healthcare. Smith was recently named Healthcare Management Student of the Year at the University of Mount Olive, where she graduated this May with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management.
For more than 20 years, Smith has worked in the medical field serving patients, supporting healthcare teams, and giving back to her community through volunteer efforts with the American Red Cross. Her return to the classroom was a natural extension of her lifelong dedication to helping others. Smith balanced work, family, and academic demands with the same compassion and perseverance she’s shown throughout her career. She graduated with Cum Laude honors and was inducted into the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society.
“Clayton has always been more than a hometown to me. It’s a foundation,” said Smith. “I hope my journey can serve as a reminder of the incredible potential rooted in our community.”
Building on her recent achievements, Smith has also been accepted into the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s accelerated master’s program in Business Healthcare Management, which she is set to begin in June and complete by spring 2026.
“Trisha’s dedication to lifelong learning and service to others reflects the very best of Clayton,” said Communication Director Nathanael Shelton. “Her continued investment in personal growth embodies the Town’s spirit of hard work, resilience, and a belief in education at every stage of life.”
According to Shelton, Smith’s story is one of many inspiring examples in Clayton and serves as a reminder that learning and leadership come in many forms, and that stories like hers deserve to be shared.
