Just as it encourages students to look ahead, NC State’s Career Development Center is poised for its next chapter under new leadership.

Earlier this month, Kesha Reed, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor and associate dean for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, announced the appointment of Mary Smith, Ph.D. who brings over 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, as the Career Development Center’s new executive director, effective May 4. 

“Mary’s appointment reflects the kind of leadership we value in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs.”

“Mary’s appointment reflects the kind of leadership we value in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs – thoughtful, collaborative and grounded in student success,” Reed said. “She brings valuable experience across higher education, and her insights into how career readiness, employer engagement and student development intersect will be so beneficial to our students as they prepare to join the workforce. I am delighted to welcome her back to the Wolfpack in this important role.”

Smith’s experience, values and goals are an ideal fit with the Division of Academic and Student Affairs’ mission of supporting the whole student at NC State, making her an important asset to a unit that is vital to preparing students to enter the workforce.

Having earned her Ph.D. in Educational Research and Policy Analysis at NC State, Smith now anticipates contributing to the university’s mission in this new capacity through fortifying career readiness initiatives, deepening employer partnerships and supporting students as they explore, prepare for and pursue impactful careers.

“As an NC State alumna, this opportunity feels both professionally exciting and personally meaningful,” Smith said. “NC State has a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration and student success, which closely aligns with my approach to career development. The opportunity to return and give back to a place that helped shape my own journey made this a natural choice.”

Before returning to her alma mater, Smith served as associate director for Employer Programs and Development at Old Dominion University, where she led strategic employer engagement efforts for the Center for Career and Leadership Development. 

“Mary Smith’s broad experiences and strategic leadership in both career development and student affairs will be transformative for the student experience here at NC State,” Reed said.

In this role, she cultivated and strengthened partnerships with hundreds of employers, expanding opportunities for students through career fairs, on-campus recruiting and digital platforms. She also led initiatives that increased employer and student participation, generated record-breaking revenue and enhanced the overall quality of recruiting experiences.

“I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place by expanding employer partnerships, enhancing equitable access to career opportunities and continuing to evolve how we prepare students for a changing workforce,” Smith said. “I also value collaboration and hope to strengthen partnerships across campus to integrate career development throughout the student experience.”