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Derrek Smith is the Senior Director of Student Success at Athens State University. Previously, they served as the Executive Director of the National Center for Sports Safety, the Director of Communications for Samford University's Law School, and the Marketing Manager for Time Inc.

Smith began their career in higher education as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Communication for Samford University's Law School. Derrek was promoted to Director of Admissions and Marketing in 2009 and served in that role for two years before moving to Time Inc. In 2006.

At Time Inc., Smith was responsible for managing marketing campaigns and initiatives for multiple magazines. Derrek returned to the world of higher education in 2012 when they took on the role of Director of Communications for Samford University's Law School. In this role, they oversaw all communications and marketing efforts for the school.

In 2015, Smith left Samford to become the Executive Director of the National Center for Sports Safety. In this role, they worked to promote the importance of injury prevention and safety on all levels of youth sports through education and community awareness.

Smith returned to Athens State University in 2016 to take on their current role as Senior Director of Student Success. In this role, they oversee a team of student success coaches who work with students to help them achieve their academic and career goals.

Derrek Smith has a Masters of Business Administration from Samford University in Marketing, a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine with a Marketing Major, and a degree in Business/Commerce, General from Griffith University's study abroad program.

Derrek Smith reports to Philip Way, President. They are on a team with Kim Lafevor - Senior Executive to the President for Strategy & Innovation, Sarah McAbee - VP for Enrollment & Student Services, and Jeffrey Guenther - Director of Institutional Research & Assessment Services.