[3][4] Smith graduated magna cum laude from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in journalism.

She received a full tuition scholarship to attend Belmont due to her community service activities and academic achievements throughout high school.

[7] Of the semi-finalists, Smith placed tenth in the swimsuit competition and seventh in evening gown, finishing ninth on average.

She arrived in Mexico on May 1, and along with the 77 other delegates participated in weeks of events, rehearsals and preliminary competitions prior to the final telecast.

She eventually placed fourth runner-up, equaling the placement of her predecessor Tara Conner at Miss Universe 2006.

On returning to the United States, she was present at an event at the White House celebrating Black Music month, where she introduced President George W. Bush to the audience.

She then travelled to Chicago to attend the CONCACAF Gold Cup final between Mexico and the United States, which led to further discussion in the media over the treatment she received from the Mexican audience at Miss Universe.

In late November, she rode a float in the 2007 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, following previous Miss USA titleholders since Susie Castillo in 2003.

In December 2007, she traveled to Kuwait, Iraq and Naval Station Rota Spain on a USO tour along with Kid Rock, Robin Williams, Lewis Black and Lance Armstrong.

In August 2010, she appeared on a special "Girls of Summer" week airing of NBC's Minute to Win It on an episode called "Last Beauty Standing."

The episode featured 10 beauty pageant winners competing for $100,000 towards their chosen charities along with a chance to win a $1,000,000 challenge.

Smith served as a guest correspondent for ET, where she's interviewed the likes of Rihanna, Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.