Goucher College Names New Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

After a national search, Goucher College has named Justin R. Smith, Ed.D., as the associate vice president for student well-being and dean of students. He will begin work on the Goucher campus on April 3, 2023.   

Smith will join the Division of Student Affairs Leadership Team and be responsible for the planning, implementation, and assessment of comprehensive student services that encompass student well-being, student development, student transition services, retention and re-enrollment activities, student care, and crisis support. Direct leadership and supervision include the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Accountability, the Student Health Center, the Student Counseling Center, Title IX, Student Support and Outreach, and the Center for Race, Equity, and Identity; the dean of students also serves as a liaison or chair on several committees facilitating communication in support of an integrated college-wide student service model that provides a student-centered experience, such as the college-wide CARE team.  

"Justin is the epitome of a student-centered professional," said Aarika Camp, vice president for student affairs at Goucher College. "From advising student groups and engaging in events on campus to supporting students in crisis, Justin always wants to let students know that he cares about them and their experience."

Smith most recently served as the assistant dean for student life at Princeton University, and he has served various residential life roles at Nova Southeastern University, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Stanford University. He holds an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University, a M.Ed. from Valdosta State University, and a B.S. from the University of South Florida.  

Smith has demonstrated a strong commitment to student development and professional engagement throughout his professional career. Having been a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. member since 2011, Smith assumed the role of professional advisor for the Pi Phi Chapter at Nova Southeastern University and served as a campus advisor to Best Buddies International. At Princeton University, Smith served as the president of the Network of African American Male Administrators and was an inaugural cohort participant of the NASPA Ujima Institute.