Since 1986, the BEYA Awards have recognized the ongoing achievements of black leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math-related careers. Awards are presented in more than 25 categories.

Smith currently supports the Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability (JKDDC) outreach program, building collaborative relationships through the Advanced Distributive Learning (ADL) initiative. His work facilitates partnerships and technical initiatives across joint, inter-agency, inter-governmental, and multi-national communities.

The award recipient commented, "It is an honor and a privilege to receive the 2009 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) for Community Service. As the first African-American President-Elect of the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), I have worked tirelessly to leverage my other board positions with Patriots Technology Training Center (PTTC) and New Hope Academy to invest and expand the environment of change for society's greater good locally, nationally, and internationally."

Smith has also been the past recipient of several other awards and commendations including the "Action Hero's Award" from the Missouri Association of Community Task Forces and the "ELLI (e-Learning Industry) Award". He has been featured and profiled in several national magazines including US Black Engineer, Black Issues in Higher Education, Black Enterprise, and other noteworthy publications.

Patrick F. Peck, Senior Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton added, "I am always impressed with the caliber of candidates nominated for this prestigious national awards program. Their contributions and commitment to our clients, firms, and the various volunteer organizations in which they are involved brings recognition not only to them but to our firm as well".

In his work with USDLA, Reggie Smith III has been instrumental in launching "National Distance Learning Week" and the USDLA's Distance Learning Today quarterly supplement. The purpose of "National Distance Learning Week" is to generate greater awareness of and appreciation for distance learning while recognizing leaders and best practices in the field. Distance Learning Today appears in USA TODAY's top-tier markets for distance learning and is read by 3.5 million goal-oriented professionals who recognize the value of distance learning, education, and training.

"Reggie Smith personifies the quality leadership needed in today's world. His commitment to his family, career and community are at the highest level of excellence", said Dr. John G. Flores, Chief Executive Officer, USDLA.