George Smith, senior associate vice president in the Division of Student Affairs, is retiring effective Monday, Aug. 31. A 1982 Clemson alumnus, Smith has served his alma mater for more than 30 years — all with Student Affairs.
Smith has served in administration since 2007 and has been a senior-level advisor for four different vice presidents. His leadership included the division’s business enterprise, strategic planning & assessment, communications, brand management and corporate sponsorship functions. He held administrative oversight of many areas in his time at Clemson, including Campus Recreation, Student Health Services, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Parking and Transportation Services.
“I’ve been able to create so many wonderful memories and build meaningful relationships during my time at Clemson,” Smith says. “Serving my alma mater has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Hopefully, in some small way I’ve been able to impact others around this campus in support of building a premier student experience.”
From 1993-2007, Smith served as director of the University Union and Student Center where he was responsible for all major campus events and concerts. During this time, he and his team developed a highly successful student engagement model for the operation and management of Littlejohn Coliseum.
Some of Smith’s biggest contributions have come in the development of facilities to support student growth and success. He played a key role in the planning and opening of the Hendrix Student Center in 2000. He also was a key figure in stewarding private gifts that transformed student life on campus through the Barnes Center, Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex, and Samuel J. Cadden Chapel.
“George’s fingerprints are on so many different parts of the student experience at Clemson, and we are grateful for his incredible contributions to our division and this University,” says Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck. “We wish him nothing but the best as he enjoys a well-deserved retirement!”
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in financial management. He went on to add a master’s degree in education (1991) and a Ph.D. in parks, recreation and tourism management (2004), also from Clemson. In 2014, he earned Clemson Undergraduate Student Government’s Order of the Tiger, the highest honor given to individuals who have made significant contributions in support of student life.
