Don holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting as well as a Masters Degree in Accountancy, both from Missouri State University.

Don has over 30 years experience in the field of accounting and is currently a Certified Public Accountant, for Missouri and previously in Kansas.  He possesses the Series 7 securities license and Series 63 in life and health insurance.  In 1975 Don founded Smillie & Associates CPA’s, a new accounting practice that eventually grew to three partners.  In 1995 Don started another private practice in Springfield providing accounting, tax and consulting services. 

Having worked with accounting and securities firms in Springfield, St. Louis and Wichita, Don has brought his experiences in accounting to the classroom for many years.  In addition to teaching an array of accounting classes such as cost and managerial accounting, Don has also taught the Combat Life Saver Course as well as various medical and military subjects while serving in the MO Army National Guard.  With primary training as a combat medic, Don is Sergeant First Class and works as a medical planning and operations specialist with the 35^th Infantry Division Support Command.

Among his many hobbies and interests, Don is a licensed single engine airline pilot.  He is active in church and Boy Scouts of America, and enjoys cycling, ancient Maya culture, and foreign languages in Chinese, Spanish and French.