Editor's Note: As the U of A strives to become an employer of choice, the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design is highlighting the faculty and staff who help the school excel.

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Since 2001, Melinda Smith has been a cornerstone of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design's Student Services office. As director, she manages curriculum, coordinates scholarships, organizes commencement and leads the advising center staff. Her work is driven by a steadfast commitment to student success, shaping how she fosters their success every day.

Smith's path to academic advising was anything but traditional. After struggling in her first year of college and losing her scholarship, she spent several years working as a bank teller before returning to the U of A campus as a reservationist for the Arkansas Union in the late 1990s. During that time, Smith discovered a passion for working with students. Through the support of an adviser, Dave Dawson, she returned to school as a non-traditional student, which has changed the way she looks at student success to this day.

"I had never advised in an academic capacity, and I didn't know a thing about design," Smith said. "But (then dean) Jeff Shannon and (then department head) David Buege took a chance on me. I'm forever grateful for that."

Over the years, Smith has built strong relationships with students, faculty and staff, benefitting from mentorship from colleagues such as Associate Dean Ethel Goodstein-Murphree, who has continuously encouraged her involvement in enrollment and curricular management. At the core of it all, however, Smith credits the students for making her role such a deeply rewarding one.

"I'd be crazy if I didn't say the students were the most rewarding thing about my job," Smith said. "I can always rely on students to lift my spirits when I'm having a stressful day. They are good at reminding you that what you do is so impactful."

Throughout her nearly 25 years of experience at the Fay Jones School, Smith has been able to witness firsthand how not only the students but also the school itself has transformed. From two major building renovations to the addition of the Interior Architecture and Design program, as well as the development and completion of the new Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation, Smith has seen it all.

Through all of the changes in enrollment and global shifts during her time at the university, Smith remains dedicated to the students. One area where that change has been especially profound is in technology. The evolution of software, hardware and other technology has played a major role in shaping the student experience — for better or worse.

"This has always been an active learning environment, but students these days seem to struggle with self-direction, advocating for themselves and taking responsibility for their own academic journey," Smith said. "I once heard an educator say that 'This is the safest place to fail.' That's a scary thought, but we want students to know that we are a safe place for them to talk about these things."

Her long-standing position in the school has made Smith a steady presence for students, alumni and colleagues alike. Known by Dean Peter MacKeith as the school's "empath," Smith embraces her role as a problem solver and a listener, even when it is difficult.

"Having a long-term presence afforded me the opportunity to become a keeper of institutional history and culture," Smith said. "Stability and reliability provide continuity and a dependable foundation for others."

Through all of the changes and challenges, Smith is proud of the team she leads in Student Services.

"I've had the same position lines for roughly 20 years, and we've still managed to serve our students despite the steep enrollment growth," Smith said. "It's a dedicated team effort, and my team is the best."

That same dedication to teamwork and student success also shapes the advice Smith shares with those just starting their academic journey. When offering students guidance, she keeps it simple: "Come with an open mind. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't just let things happen — advocate for yourself. Prioritize your health and well-being. Life has a way of falling into place if you work hard, try new things, be kind and ask for help. That 'Golden Rule' never goes out of vogue."

Read the full Q&A with Melinda Smith.