Barry University has named Dr. Scott F. Smith as its new vice president for Student Affairs, Barry President Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, Ph.D., recently announced. Smith will begin his new role at Barry on Monday, August 22.
Smith, who has more than a decade of professional experience in student development for Catholic higher education institutions, joins Barry from Saint Louis University, where he has served as assistant vice president for student development and dean of students since 2007. Prior to working for Saint Louis University, Smith held other various positions in student development, including assistant dean of students and director of Housing and Residence Life for Seattle University; director of Residence Life for Ohio Northern University; residence hall director for Marquette University; and assistant area director for Housing and Residence Life at North Carolina State University.
“I am very pleased that Dr. Scott Smith is joining our Barry community and the University’s executive leadership team,” Bevilacqua said. “We are very fortunate to have attracted such a highly experienced, knowledgeable and committed student development professional.”
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of the South, a master’s dual degree in adult and community college education and counselor education with an emphasis on student development from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration with an emphasis on leadership and organizational development from The Ohio State University.
"I am honored to serve as the next vice president for Student Affairs at Barry University,” Smith said. “I look forward to working closely with President Bevilacqua, the administration, Barry's dedicated faculty and outstanding students to create a caring, vibrant, and engaging campus life. Barry's Dominican heritage and distinct mission resonates strongly with me, and I believe my 12 years at other Catholic schools will allow me to contribute positively to the University's aspirations. In speaking with President Bevilacqua and other members of the Barry community, it became clear to me that Barry University was doing great things and this was an institution that I wanted to join."
Smith will be replacing Dr. Michael Griffin, who was recently appointed to the position of vice president for business development and operations at Barry.
Founded in 1940, Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla., is the second-largest private, Catholic university in the Southeast. Barry offers more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the arts and sciences, business, education, health sciences, human performance and leisure sciences, law, podiatric medicine, public administration, and social work. The University enrolls approximately 9,000 students from nearly all 50 states and close to 120 countries. Barry University is accredited by Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.