Dr. Smykowski was raised on a diversified livestock and grain farm in eastern Sargent County, address Cayuga, ND. He attended Lidgerwood Public School before attending Oklahoma State University Stillwater receiving a Bachelors in History. He attended College of Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota graduating in 1983. Dr. Smykowski has four step children, elevin grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He can be found in his yard and garden whenever snow is not present! He also has one cat, Oliver C. Pudington. His favorite animal is cattle.

When asked why he chose to join the veterinary profession Dr. Smykowski said "I enjoyed the livestock part of my Dad's farm and saw being a veterinarian as a way to keep doing that without farming. I have enjoyed my many years in Lisbon!"