The University of South Carolina has hired Courtney Smith to be the new director of the Leadership and Service Center. Smith has spent the past 11 years working in student engagement at Arizona State University.
The role was previously filled by Ambra Hiott, who was director for eight years. Hiott is now the associate vice president of Student Life at USC.
Hiott was heavily involved in the hiring process and said she believed Smith was the best candidate for the job based on her past work experience and educational background. Smith has a doctorate in educational leadership and innovation, as well as a master's degree in higher education.
According to Hiott, Smith demonstrated the ability to keep up with the large volume of work that the role requires while still remaining centered on connecting with students.
Smith said for her, the atmosphere and opportunities that USC provided made her want to pursue the position.
“I love the affinity and school spirit that USC has,” Smith said. “I really have enjoyed working with student organizations in my previous role, and so I was excited to keep that piece but also excited to add some new pieces.”
Smith said she has always prioritized making the student experience as positive as possible. She plans to work with the LSC to break down any potential barriers that might prevent students from getting involved.
"Regardless of the work I've done in the past, I've always kept that as the priority of making sure the student experience is the priority and is robust and good as possible," Smith said.
Hiott said one of her main goals for Smith is to be able to work towards her vision of the LSC which includes expanding their role at USC.
“That vision that I shared with all the candidates is that we have some really strong programs, but it's time to scale them to reach more students,” Hiott said.
According to Hiott, Smith is aware of her expectations and is going to make that a priority as director.
“That was my vision that I shared in the interview process, and she lit up and was really excited to be a part of that charge," Hiott said.
Smith said she hopes to increase student involvement with the LSC through growing their leadership programs and getting more students involved in officer training for organizations.
Hiott also cited the importance of student relationships and said Smith’s past work in advising students will serve her well as director of the LSC.
In order to start building those relationships, Smith said she plans to engage with students by attending different events and going to different leadership meetings on campus to introduce herself.
Both Smith and Hiott said they have high hopes for the future of the LSC to be a place that all students are willing to engage with.
“I would say my loftiest goal is to really have the USC LSC be recognizable, whether that’s on a state, a regional or a national level, or just a very recognizable office on campus for students to really just put them on the map for all the great work that this team is doing,” Smith said.
Hiott said she hopes Smith will be able to look at what the LSC is doing well in order to grow those initiatives while being honest about where there is room to grow. Smith said she is looking forward to engaging with all of the different students on USC's campus.
“My philosophy has always been (that) I’m happy to connect with any student at any time,” Smith said. “If there’s ever a student that feels like they don’t know where to start to get involved … I’m excited to work with those students as much as I am our student leaders who are established in five organizations, or whatever that may be, and everyone in between.”