(MIAMI, FL) — Barry University announced this week the appointment of Dr. Scott Smith as associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation. Smith will assume this role on July 1 following the retirement of current Barry Athletics Director Mike Covone in June.
Smith is a seasoned university administrator with over two decades of professional experience in student development for Catholic higher education institutions. He joined Barry in 2011 in a senior leadership role in student affairs and later transitioned to leading mission and student engagement.
“Our athletic program is a point of pride for Barry University. I am excited to work with the staff, coaches and student athletes to continue our success in the classroom, competing at a national level, and representing Barry in the community,” Smith said. “I also look forward to integrating the recreation and intramural programs into the fold of the department.”
As a former student athlete, who played college basketball at the University of the South, the student athlete experience has always been dear to Smith. His master thesis focuses on the identity development of student athletes. Smith has extensive experience serving student athletes and working with intercollegiate athletics during his higher education career.
In addition to his time at Barry, he has held various positions in student development, including assistant vice president for student development and dean of students at Saint Louis University, 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.
"Dr. Smith has a proven track record of supporting student success, and I’m confident that our Athletic Department will continue to excel under his leadership and through the incredible sustained excellence of our coaches and professionals in the department. They are the best in the business,” Barry President Mike Allen said. “His leadership will help our student athletes continue to excel at the highest levels of competition and be scholars in the classroom.”
During the transitional period, Smith and Covone will work closely together to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and continuity of operations for the Athletic Department. Covone played an integral role in shaping and leading the department to 26 NCAA Division II Championships, and his experience helping student athletes succeed and collaboration with Smith will ensure that Buccaneer athletics continues to thrive in competition and provide rewarding experiences for student athletes.
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.
About Barry University: As South Florida’s largest private Catholic institution of higher learning and as one of the leading universities in the nation for promoting social mobility, Barry University is preparing students for the future workforce by offering them more than 100 degree programs in a variety of disciplines and giving them the tools and real-world experience that transform concepts into impact. Barry's programs center on experiential and service learning, responding to market conditions and addressing critical societal needs. Barry graduates are socially conscious leaders