Smith is New Director of Interdisciplinary Studies and Associate Director of University College

CADC’s Bret Smith has been named the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies and Associate Director of the University College effective August 1. Smith, a professor of industrial design in the School of Industrial + Graphic Design, was Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and International Program for the past three years. During this time, he played an important role in the establishment of the first formal CADC recruitment office, elevated and streamlined student services, facilitated the development of college-wide career placement office, and oversaw more than a dozen international partnerships.

“Bret Smith was a wonderful addition to the CADC Leadership team,” says Dean Vini Nathan. “During his three years in this role, he helped establish and enhance many important initiatives and operations in the CADC. The CADC faculty and staff join me in wishing Bret much success in his new leadership role in the University College.”

In his new role as Director of Interdisciplinary Studies and Associate Director of University College, Smith will report to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Director of University College, Dr. Constance Relihan, and will have responsibility for providing leadership, vision, and administrative oversight for all aspects of the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Smith served on the School of Industrial + Graphic Design faculty for more than 30 years where he was the chair of the highly regarded, nationally ranked Industrial Design program from 2008–13. He was honored for “extreme volunteerism” by the Industrial Designers Society of America for the creation of the industrial design history website in 2012 and was the first recipient of the Bauhaus Endowed Chair in Industrial Design in 2009.

“I deeply appreciate the opportunity of working in the CADC Dean’s Office and with the entire faculty, staff and students of the CADC,“ says Smith. “I am honored and excited to be appointed to this new position with the University College. I see Auburn continuing to distinguish itself by strengthening its collective intellectual DNA, and the Interdisciplinary Studies Program represents one avenue to do so. I am looking forward to working with faculty, students and staff across campus to achieve new levels of success.”