Julia Smith, a seasoned student success professional with extensive experience at the U of A, is supporting graduate students as the new associate director of graduate student support in the Graduate School and International Education, effective April 21.

In her role, Smith provides support for graduate students' orientation, career development, retention and degree completion at the U of A through programming and resources that support their personal, professional and academic needs. Additionally, this position conducts outreach activities within the campus community and with external partners that help support the graduate student population.

"I truly am so excited about transitioning into this role," she said. "My hope is to be a connector for our graduate students to campus and its resources. I want them to know that the University of Arkansas values them and that there are several people and departments who believe in the importance of supporting them."

Smith joins GSIE after four years in the Student Success Center — also known as the CORD — on campus, where she served as a 360 Instructor and academic adviser. In that role, she taught University Perspectives courses, met with students to assist in their academic progress, collaborated with offices across campus to coordinate retention and success programs, and supervised a team of 12 peer mentors to work with students in the 360 Program.

Prior to her time in the CORD, Smith served as an academic adviser in the College of Education and Health Professions, where she advised more than 500 students across 13 majors. In total, she holds nearly a decade of experience in higher education in advising and student success positions.

In her time at the U of A, Smith has served as chair of the Emergency Funding Subcommittee and a member of the First-Generation Networking Committee and Campus Retention Committee. She also received the 2018 Golden Tusk Award given out by the Division of Student Affairs to recognize individuals at the university who go above and beyond for students and the campus community at-large.

"We are thrilled to have Julia join us in this critical role," said Ed Bengtson, associate dean of graduate education in GSIE. "There is much to be done in this area as we strive to create a vibrant and productive academic community for all graduate students, and while we depend on the individual academic programs and graduate faculty to be part of our efforts, Julia's leadership will be invaluable in creating a supportive environment for our graduate students campus wide."

Smith holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in college student personnel, both from Arkansas Tech University.