JANET L. SMITH ('81) writes news features for Montpelier and is a writer and editor for the JMU media relations office. Smith joined the JMU staff in 1986 and currently writes and publishes news releases, writes news and features for the JMUniverse and edits media supplements and the university calendar of events. Before coming to JMU, Smith was a reporter for The News-Gazette in Lexington. Smith is a longtime NASCAR Nextel Cup fan, who followed Richard Petty's career until his retirement in 1992. She currently cheers for Terry Labonte and strongly recommends traveling to North Carolina to take a few hot laps (160 mph) in the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Janet and her husband, Steve, have a son, A.J.