Dr. Moore-Smith was an accomplished professor receiving her BA from Elmhurst College, her MA and PhD from the University of Chicago.

After a one-year postdoctoral fellowship, Elsie began at Arizona State University in 1981 as an assistant professor in counselor education in the former College of Education. In her more than 40-year career at ASU, Elsie served the university community through both leadership positions and committee work, with an emphasis on creating more opportunities and equity for students and faculty of color. A few of the roles Elsie served in include Director of the Division of Psychology in Education (1999-2006), Vice Provost of Academic Affairs (2006-2007), Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (2007-2010), Faculty Head for African and African American Studies (2014-2016) and Director of the School of Social Transformation (SST) (2016-2018). 

Elsie’s most lasting legacy is the establishment of the A. Wade Smith Memorial Lecture on Race Relations, in honor of her late husband, A. Wade Smith, who was a professor and chair of the ASU sociology program.

She was truly unique by her strong presence, but she made people feel welcome and valued at the same time no matter the situation. She was the type of person who everyone felt comfortable going to. She was equal parts kindness and intelligence.

She is survived by her three sons, three sisters and one brother. 

Services were held on March 5, 2022 at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Moore Smith family.