Sandra Smith, a familiar face on the campus of Southern Arkansas University, has been named the new dean of students.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Donna Allen, said she expects Smith to be a great fit for the position.
“Sandra will do an excellent job as Dean of Students. She has a wealth of knowledge, is extremely creative and energetic, and has great rapport with students and her colleagues,” Allen said. “She is an excellent choice and will be a tremendous asset for the Student Affairs division.”
At 30, Smith is the first woman who has been named dean of students at SAU. She is also the youngest. With the completion of her dissertation, which she hopes will be completed next fall, she will have a doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her dissertation explores the impact resident assistants make on living and learning communities which house students of like interests and majors.
Smith, a native of Horatio, Ark., has been an employee of Southern Arkansas University since 2002. She began at the University as a graduate assistant in the office of student affairs which led to a job as a full time secretary in that office.
She later became the learning community coordinator project coordinator for the office of student affairs. Following this position, she became the assistant dean of students for housing and then the assistant dean of students for activities before being named dean on July 1.
Smith said the part of the job she most looks forward to is the same aspect she has always relished as a member of the University campus staff—interacting with students.
“My favorite part of being dean will be working with students to help them reach their dreams, especially those students who have obstacles that might be making them consider not finishing college,” Smith said. “Students don’t always know the resources that are out there for them and helping them find out they can stay and graduate is a great feeling.”
Smith’s duties include being the chief judicial officer for the University which means she will see students who are in trouble and coordinate parent and family programs. She will also be in charge of monitoring class absences and reporting withdrawals from the University. In addition, she will help coordinate the Donald W. Reynolds Community and Campus Center, the Rider Rink and the Bruce Center Game Room. Smith will also work with the Student Activities Board and multicultural services.
Smith has two degrees from SAU. She received her bachelors in agriculture at the University as well as a master’s in secondary education.
