George N. Smith
Anderson,USA
Summary
Dynamic leader in higher education with extensive expertise in Student Affairs, adept at fostering student engagement and orchestrating major campus events. Skilled in managing campus recreation, student health services, and student conduct with a strategic approach to project and financial management. Committed to enhancing the student experience through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. Recognized for driving impactful initiatives that promote holistic development and community building within academic institutions.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Clemson University
01.2019 - 01.2026
- Administrative responsibility for the following areas: Campus Recreation, Campus Life, Student Health Services, the Center for Career and Professional Development, the Student Affairs Business Office, the Office of Community and Ethical Standards and Residential Living & Residential Learning
- Senior policy and strategy advisor to the Vice President for Student Affairs
- Primary liaison with the Development Office for divisional fundraising activities
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief of Staff
Clemson University
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Senior policy and strategy advisor to the Vice President for Student Affairs
- Responsible for the management of all financial services, human resource management and business operations
- Supervised administration of all external sponsorship operations
- Supervised Student Affairs Publications and Marketing services
- Served as the primary Student Affairs liaison with the Development Office for divisional fundraising activities
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Clemson University
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Administrative responsibility for Campus Recreation, Campus Life, Parking and Transportation Services, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Gantt Multicultural Center, Tiger-1 Card Office and Student Affairs Publications & Marketing services.
Director of the University Union and Student Center
Clemson University
01.1993 - 01.2006
- Led development of vision and goals for the department
- Administrative responsibility for the Union programming board and student organization advising.
- Responsible for facility management and event management for the Edgar Brown Union, Hendrix Student Center, and Littlejohn Coliseum.
Director of Operations – University Union
Clemson University
01.1988 - 01.1993
- Responsible for all financial transactions and reporting
- Directed all aspects of facility management
- Supervised management of retail operations in the Union
Education
Ph.D. - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management
Clemson University
01-2004
M.I.N.E.D. - Human Resource Development
Clemson University
01-1991
B.S. - Financial Management
Clemson University
01-1982
Skills
- Training and mentoring
- Performance monitoring
- Team supervision
- Team leadership
Accomplishments
- Started the first campus convenience store(s) that are now campuswide and managed by Aramark
- Supported the design, construction and opening of the Hendrix Student Center
- In collaboration with the department of Civil Engineering, developed and branded the Tiger Transit on-demand transportation service for campus
- Developed a nationally recognized student engagement model for the operation and management of Littlejohn Coliseum
- Envisioned and developed a strategy to build a national model venue for competition, leisure and recreation with the Snow Outdoor Recreation and Fitness Complex
- Envisioned and secured private funding for renovation of the oldest remaining agricultural building on campus into a vibrant student activity center - the Barnes Center.
- Supported economic development and elevated the student experience by producing and delivering major entertainment events in campus venues.
- Led the strategic planning process for Student Affairs to align with objectives and focus areas of the institutional strategic plan.
- Awarded the Order of the Tiger in 2014
Affiliations
- New Prospect Baptist Church
- Personnel Committee
- Sunday School Teacher
- Church Security Team
- Belton Gun Club
- International Defensive Pistol Association
- Barnett Masonic Lodge
Languages
English
Full Professional
Interests
recreational competition shooting sports and hunting
Timeline
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Clemson University
01.2019 - 01.2026
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief of Staff
Clemson University
01.2015 - 01.2019
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Clemson University
01.2006 - 01.2015
Director of the University Union and Student Center
Clemson University
01.1993 - 01.2006
Director of Operations – University Union
Clemson University
01.1988 - 01.1993
M.I.N.E.D. - Human Resource Development
Clemson University
B.S. - Financial Management
Clemson University
Ph.D. - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management
Clemson University
Philosophy
- The responsibility of higher education institutions is to promote the free and open exchange of ideas and thoughts to produce graduates with expertise in their fields of study, the ability to critically evaluate information, a curiosity for lifelong learning, intuitive resilience and acceptance of personal accountability.
- Our obligation as Student Affairs professionals is to develop bold leaders with the competencies, experiences and personal value systems to distinguish themselves in the workplaces, their homes and their communities.