John W. Smith, a longtime leader in Tennessee Tech’s Division of University Advancement, has been named interim vice president for University Advancement.
A two-time Tech graduate, Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and an MBA. He began his career in University Advancement in 1995 and assumed leadership of Advancement Services in 2014. He was named interim associate vice president of University Development in 2020 before being appointed to the role full-time in 2021.
In recognition of his impact on colleagues and the profession, Smith was named 2021 Mentor of the Year by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III.
Most recently, as AVP, Smith provided both strategic leadership for the university’s philanthropic initiatives and day-to-day guidance for the development team, while also maintaining a portfolio of donors and serving as a key partner to campus leaders.