Shelby Smith Graduates from Murray State University

Shelby Smith, a Hardeman County native, graduated from Murray State University (MSU) in Murray, Kentucky, in December 2024, with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, with a focus in pre-optometry. She will continue at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee in the fall of 2025.

“It is a huge accomplishment that looking back now makes all the late-night study sessions and stress worth it! It opens the door for so many more opportunities and gives me confidence that I can do whatever I set my mind to,” said Shelby.

Shelby’s interest in optometry began while she was a high school student. It was a part-time job at the Hardeman County Vision Center where she worked in between her studies.

“I began working at the Hardeman County Vision Center as a high school student and seeing the work of Dr. Walters and Dr. Ligon inspired me to pursue this passion. They helped my interest in the field grow and encouraged me to continue my education,” said Shelby who graduated high school from Homelife Academy in 2021.

Attending Murray State University was quite a distance from Hardeman County, where Shelby left her family and many friends. The transition from Hardeman County to Kentucky was not as difficult as one would have expected. Once she arrived at MSU, Shelby felt like she was at home.

“I loved the small town feel Murray, Kentucky had, which reminded me of home,” said Shelby, who eventually ventured even further from Hardeman County during those college years. “During my college experience, I had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at the University of Regensburg in Germany. During those four months, while living in Germany, I was able to travel to Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Ireland, England, and Scotland. This experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity and opened my eyes to how big our world is and how much there is to see!”

Shelby is happy she chose to attend MSU where she met new people, was able to travel abroad, and work towards her goal of becoming an optometrist.

“I met so many lifelong friends there [at MSU] and made many memories that I will cherish forever. The professors were kind and truly wanted their students to succeed,” said Shelby. “The whole university was centered on its students, which is why I’m proud to be a Racer!”

After graduating from the Southern College of Optometry, Shelby is looking forward to helping people.

“I want to be able to help others and give back to a community that has given so much to me,” said Shelby.

Shelby Smith is the daughter of Vance Smith and Erin Sullivan.

Read more local news by clicking here.

Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.

Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.