In September 2023, ALA welcomed its sixth Dean of the Academy, Mr. Derek Smith. Derek is a seasoned educator, having worked at schools across the continent and around the world, including in Guinea-Bissau, Togo, The Gambia and most recently Nigeria. Derek recently sat down for an interview with Djomompinin Aim e Juliana Tuo ’22 (Cote D’Ivoire), Chairlady of the Student Government, to discuss his first term at ALA and what sets ALA apart from the other schools he has worked at throughout his career.
New Dean Derek Smith Reflects on First Term at ALA
Thursday, October 22, 2026
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