Professor Kari Smith named Director of the School of Architecture and Design

Professor Kari Smith has been appointed as the Director of the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  Smith was recommended unanimously by a search committee after serving as Interim Director of the School of Architecture and Design since 2019.  She is praised highly by both faculty and College of the Arts leadership, with Interim Dean Michael McClure stating  "...her talents, accomplishments, and leadership as Interim Director confirm that she is the right choice to lead the School.  I look forward to her leadership and the bright future of the School."   Professor Smith has been a faculty member in the School of Architecture and Design for thirteen years.  As graduate coordinator for the master of architecture program, she was dedicated to “...creating an inclusive and open community of graduate student scholars." 

Professor Smith was recently recognized by the UL Graduate School as a recipient of the 2020 Outstanding Master’s Mentor Award.  This award was presented to "...members of the graduate faculty with an exceptional record of fostering the academic and professional development of graduate students, particularly for graduate students in the master’s degree program".  Smith's community service, her record engaging students in scholarly opportunities, and her commitment to bringing in diverse voices set her apart as a mentor.  Her status as a champion of diversity efforts and her continued effeorts to support underrepresented students in their academic and personal sucesses highlights her passion for ensuring the well-being of graduate students.  Professor Smith's colleagues praise her as a phenomenal and accessible educator who is admirably innovative in her student engagement approaches.

Learn more about Director Smith and her accomplsihments: https://gradschool.louisiana.edu/blog/meet-outstanding-masters-mentor-pr...