Fayette schools’ spokesperson Davidson-Smith resigns. Liggins cites ‘lasting impact’
Fayette County Public Schools’ spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith is resigning her position as district chief public engagement officer, effective June 30.
Her departure was part of the agenda for the April 28 school board meeting.
“Fayette County Public Schools is grateful for the years of dedicated service Dia Davidson-Smith has given to our district as Chief Public Engagement Officer and District Spokesperson,” Superintendent Demetrus Liggins told the Herald-Leader Friday afternoon.
“Her passion for storytelling, commitment to transparent communication, and advocacy for public education have made a lasting impact, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.”
No decisions have been made regarding her successor, Liggins said.
On Monday, Davidson-Smith told the Herald-Leader, “It has been an honor to serve the youngest members of our community and their families, as well as support the important mission of FCPS in educating, informing and protecting them. I want to thank Dr. Demetrus Liggins for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to what God has for me next.”
Davidson-Smith did not immediately say what her next steps would include.
Davidson-Smith took the job of chief public engagement officer in July 2023. The district’s announcement about her new role at that time said Davidson-Smith was an Emmy award-winning news anchor and reporter for LEX 18 News at Sunrise and Noon, where she had worked for over 20 years.
That 2023 announcement said with more than 30 years of experience in news and journalism, Davidson-Smith had a diverse background in media and education. She began her career as a membership coordinator for Temple University Public Radio, before working as a promotions manager and anchor/reporter at various radio and television stations on the East Coast, including South Carolina Educational Television.
Davidson-Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in journalism from Temple University.
This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 5:59 PM.