Economist Jonathan Smith Receives Georgia State Ignite Research Award

ATLANTA — Georgia State University has awarded Jonathan Smith a prestigious 2025 Ignite Award. Smith is an associate professor of economics in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and a faculty fellow in the Georgia Policy Labs.

Smith received the Faculty Research Partnership Award, which recognizes an individual or a team of Georgia State researchers who, in partnership with an external, non-academic entity, has made significant contributions to a research, scholarly or creative field, a specific outstanding discovery, the development of an innovative technology, scholarly or creative work, or a practice that has a significant impact locally, nationally or globally.

“Professor Smith’s work exemplifies the kind of research that moves the needle — not just academically, but in real communities,” said Dean Thomas J. Vicino of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. “His partnership with Achieve Atlanta shows what’s possible when rigorous research and local commitment come together. It’s about more than data — it’s about driving meaningful, lasting change for students and families.”

Achieve Atlanta President/Exec. Dir. Cheryl Watson-Harris, center, with (L) David Ribar, Katherine Dunn, Leah Daigle and Jim Marton

Smith has spent the past seven years developing a research-practice partnership with Achieve Atlanta, an organization that provides college scholarships and support services to graduates of Atlanta Public Schools high schools who have financial need.

What began as a straightforward evaluation on the impacts of the organization on college enrollment, persistence and completion, Smith has helped develop into a deeper and lasting partnership. Together with the Georgia Policy Labs in the Andrew Young School, Smith continues to conduct and support research on the financial, academic and long-term impacts of the organization’s efforts.

Georgia State University celebrates excellence in research, scholarship and creative activity across the university annually with its Ignite Awards. The awards are given to faculty, staff and postdoctoral researchers and students whose work has tremendous impact by advancing knowledge, solving complex problems, creating new innovations and enhancing the quality of life in Georgia and beyond.

“The Ignite Awards stand as a celebration of the groundbreaking work and innovative spirit that defines Georgia State,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicolle Parsons-Pollard. “They honor those who have dared to venture into new realms of possibility and ignite the spark of curiosity and passion for learning.”