John O. Smith began teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1998. Before coming to UWSP, he taught courses in graphic design and computer graphics at the University of Iowa, where he received his MFA in 1995.

Currently he teaches courses in graphic design for the Department of Art & Design and is a creative director for the DesignCenter.

Professor Smith works professionally as a graphic designer and as an artist. His work has been awarded and exhibited on a regional and national level.