NEWS

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has announced that Michael Smith has been appointed assistant dean for student engagement.

In his new role, Smith will be responsible for fostering student engagement, planning and promoting dynamic campus programs, teaching an introduction course to college life, and supervising Newberry’s nine Greek-letter organizations.

“I am truly honored to serve in this role,” Smith said. “Newberry College has provided me with a great opportunity to take student engagement to the next level. I look forward to working with the Student Affairs team and the student body to make co-curricular activities a vibrant experience on this campus for everyone.”

Smith has served Newberry as director of student engagement and Greek Life since 2016. In this role, he has supervised the coordinator of campus recreation, the esports coach and coordinator, and student affairs interns. He created the College’s First 56 initiative, a series of programs designed to welcome, educate and engage students in the critical first 56 days of each semester. He also has extensive experience coordinating Newberry’s Greek Life and student organizations.

Before coming to Newberry, Smith served in student engagement roles at Horry-Georgetown Technical College and at Coastal Carolina University.

“Getting and keeping students involved on campus in a variety of ways is vital to a full Newberry education,” said Dean of Students Sandra Rouse. “Providing students leadership and learning opportunities outside the classroom is instrumental to their success, and we are excited to have Mr. Smith take on this role.”

Smith holds a master’s degree in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University, and a bachelor’s in health promotion from Coastal Carolina University. He is currently fulfilling requirements for a doctorate in organizational leadership from Abilene Christian University.