Adrain Smith Named Director of Multicultural Center

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Adrain Smith

Adrain Smith has assumed the responsibilities of general operations and programming for current students in the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education, which is affectionately known as the MC, and is located in the Arkansas Union.

Smith, who has served as a director in the center for five years, has managed many aspects of its daily operations, diversity education outreach and cultural programming. His specialties in student leadership and mentoring will remain important priorities in his expanded role. 

"When thinking about the current climate of our society and institutions globally, the work that we do in the MC is more important than ever," Smith said.

Smith manages a team of four staff members and three graduate assistants who work together to provide culturally responsive programming, student support and diversity education for current U of A students and many campus collaborations. He is the primary contact for student groups seeking support and space or other uses of the Multicultural Center and proposals for programming partnerships. 

"To serve as the new director of the Multicultural Center here at the University of Arkansas is truly one of the greatest honors and privileges. I am grateful, excited and committed to working tirelessly to fulfill the aspirations and vision that I have for the center," Smith said. "My goal is for the center to be viewed as a beacon of hope, a resource that meets the needs of our constituents at the university, a catalyst for change and a destination to find community, connecting and belonging." 

Smith has earned numerous awards and recognitions for his work as an educator and mentor, recently receiving the NASPA African American Knowledge Community (AAKC) Nia Award for Mid-Level Professionals. 

He earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Central Arkansas and a master's degree in higher education from the U of A. He began his career in Student Affairs at the U of A in 2004.

"I was thrilled when Adrain chose to join our team of directors in the Multicultural Center five years ago, and his service and leadership have continued to be our good fortune," said Leslie Yingling, associate dean of students and assistant vice chancellor for Student Success and Multicultural Initiatives. "I'm grateful for his commitment and excited about our growth with his vision." 

"I am eager to continue building in collaboration with the MC team, alumni, colleagues across the institution and community, and our students to ensure that we as the Multicultural Center are living up to our mission, vision and purpose," Smith said. 

The Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education is a campus community that welcomes all students and supports their sense of belonging and their pursuit of academic success and goals. The MC's college access outreach is facilitated by College Access Initiative director Sarah Draine. The MC's student success and retention outreach, through academic scholarships, the Academic Enrichment Program and Off Campus Student Success, is led by retention director Brande Flack. Bryan Hembree is the MC's director of Arts and Culture and facilitates music, arts and other cultural events for the campus community and beyond.

The MC is a multicultural, intersectional space that affirms differences, explores shared humanity through cultural celebrations, intercultural and public events, educational forums and partnerships that promote diversity education and social justice. It also supports Cultural Identity Communities, centers of identity and belonging where students can connect with each other and share belonging and experience.

Adrain Smith was featured in the Student Affairs Bulletin Q&A in Jan. 2021.