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Lyndsey Smith

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Lyndsey Smith

Assistant Director of First-Year Learning and Engagement


Department: First-Year Learning & Engagement

Email: lyndsey.smith@ou.edu

Phone: (405) 325 - 3470

Office location: Lissa and Cy Wagner Hall, Room 178

Education:

BA, Human Relations - University of Oklahoma

M.Ed., Adult and Higher Education - University of Oklahoma

Courses taught:

UCOL 2001, Strategies for Success (Spring),

UCOL 1002, Foundations (Fall and Spring)

UCOL 1013, Foundations (Summer)

UCOL 1022, Developing Your Personal Brand (Fall and Spring)

About Lyndsey Smith:

Lyndsey Smith is a first-generation OU graduate and is proud to call Norman her hometown. Lyndsey knew that she was called to work in higher education after a transformative experience as a student leader on campus during her undergraduate years. As a first-generation student, she knew that her college experiences sometimes differed from her peers, and wanted to understand the reasons why. Lyndsey pursued a master’s degree in the Adult and Higher Education graduate program at OU to better understand college student development and how to assist students with creating success in the university. After working in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program and the Residence Life office, Lyndsey joined University College in 2016, and has served as an Academic Advisor and a Major Exploration Coach. In 2021, Lyndsey transitioned into her current role as the Assistant Director of First-Year Learning and Engagement. In addition to being an adjunct instructor for several University college courses, Lyndsey currently oversees the University College Peer Teaching Assistant (UCOL PTA) program, and serves as the chapter advisor for the OU chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

As a higher education professional, Lyndsey's passion areas include working with student leaders, training and development, first-generation student support, equitable access in higher education, and curriculum design. Outside of work, Lyndsey enjoys traveling, gaming, and being creative through graphic design, photography, and drawing/painting.

Awards and Recognitions: 

  • "Culture of Excellence" Award, University College, University of Oklahoma, April 2022
  • “Faculty/Staff Member of the Month” Award, SWACURH Student Organization, University of Oklahoma Chapter, January 2022
  • "NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma" Award, Higher Education Category, NextGen Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, November 2021
  • Honorary Member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, University of Oklahoma Chapter, October 2021

What do you like most about working with new students?

What I enjoy most about working with new students is helping them explore all of their options! College is a time where you can grow into the person that you've always wanted to be, so it's exciting to have numerous opportunities at your fingertips. I really love helping new students discover those opportunities and seeing them work towards their goals.

What advice would you give to OU first year students?

A piece of advice that I would give to first-year students at OU is to get involved in clubs and organizations. Studies have shown that when a student is involved on campus, the more likely they are to persist towards graduation!

What is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the Conoco Phillips Leadership Wing in the student union. When I was an officer in the student service organization Alpha Phi Omega (APO), I used to spend countless hours here hanging out with other APO members or working on projects for the organization. I had so many formative moments here -- it truly holds a special place in my heart. Plus it's a really great study spot!