Troy, N.Y. — Mark Smith has been named dean of students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Smith has served as interim dean of students since March 2000.

“Clearly, Mark Smith was head and shoulders above other candidates competing for the dean of students position,” said Eddie Ade Knowles, vice president for student life at Rensselaer. “The search committee, President Shirley Ann Jackson, and I all concur that Mark is well suited to provide leadership for the Dean of Students Office to ensure that all of our students are well served.”

Smith, who has served in higher education for more than 20 years, joined Rensselaer in 1986 as assistant dean of students and director of academic support programs. He was appointed acting director of the Office of Minority Students Affairs (OMSA) in 1993.

In 1995, Smith was named OMSA director and was promoted to associate dean of students. During that time, Smith administered numerous OMSA programs and workshops, and established many corporate and professional contacts for minority students seeking internships, co-ops, and job placement. His experience at Rensselaer also includes curriculum development for precollege and pipeline activities.

Smith received a bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University. He earned a master’s degree at the University at Albany and certified as a biology and chemistry teacher. He then earned a certificate of advanced study in educational administration and supervision at SUNY Cortland.

“Mark Smith is the quintessential student-focused administrator. Anyone who has worked with Mark or even just had the pleasure to talk with him knows he is sincere and compassionate and truly cares about students,” said Gil Valadez, a senior who heads the student government as Grand Marshal at Rensselaer. “I have personally seen him give up evenings on a weekly basis to work with students and I am excited that he has been named dean of students.”

As dean of students, Smith will report to the vice president for student life. His responsibilities include managing OMSA, International Services for Students and Scholars, Greek Life, Judicial Affairs, and Disabled Student Services.

Contact: Jodi Ackerman
Phone: (518) 276-6531
E-mail: N/A