From ECU to the Capitol: Jason Smith’s Path to Nonpartisan Leadership

Jason Smith graduated from the honors program at East Carolina University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and political science. After his time in the honors program, Smith continued his education at American University Washington College of Law, earning his JD in 2008. Currently, he is an attorney in the US House of Representatives and serves in a unique role as the Parliamentarian of the House.

He said, “There are often no ‘typical days’ in my office, but our most essential day-to-day role is to advise, on a nonpartisan basis, the Speaker and other presiding officers in the House of Representatives during proceedings with respect to parliamentary procedure and constitutional matters as they pertain to the House itself”

Like many honors students, Smith changed and added to his major throughout his time in the program. Beginning with secondary education, Smith eventually was drawn toward psychology, later adding a political science double major.

“With motivation, ECU – particularly the Honors College – gives you the opportunity to follow a career path in any direction!” Smith said.

A big part of Smith’s job involves research to ensure consistency, predictability, and efficiency of proceedings. He often works to make sure the law is available and transparent to the public. This form of advocacy for public good aligns with the core messages of both ECU and the Honors College.

Before the development of the Honors College as we know it today, the honors program at ECU allowed students to complete and defend an honors thesis. Smith believes that this thesis helped him to be admitted into a higher-tier law school. The opportunity to formulate and defend a thesis still exists in the current structure of the Honors College.

Students gather with Jason Smith in his Washington, DC office — Jason Smith takes a photo with the sophomore Brinkley-Lane Scholars during their fall break visit to Washington, D.C.

Smith said, “One does not have to settle for the minimum – with hard work and some initiative, it’s possible to achieve bigger things. I always felt like ECU had an optimistic vision for providing upward mobility in life and in career fulfillment.”

As an early alumnus of what would become the Honors College, Smith has been able to see the program grow throughout the years. Brinkley-Lane Scholars will visit Smith during fall break for their high-impact experience to learn more about his position.

“I’m incredibly proud of what it’s become in the 20 years since I left. I’m particularly proud of the Brinkley-Lane program, and I’m excited that I’ll get to meet with some of the students when they visit Washington DC in October,” Smith said.

Smith advises anyone thinking about law or public service to pursue it. Although Smith knows we live in a time where public service is not incentivized, he encourages students to think about the satisfaction gained. He hopes to serve as an example of what an education at ECU can lead to. In his current role, he strives to leave a legacy dedicated to nonpartisan service. He works to help develop the next generation of public servants in the House.

“This isn’t a single moment, but I’m proud that my primary role involves the preservation of our governmental institutions during a time of deep divisions,” he said.