Donor spotlight: Jerry F. Smith

New Education Building Room name:

Jerry F. Smith Office of Advancement Suite

 

Named after:

Jerry F. Smith

 

His story:

Jerry F. Smith graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human Exercise Science from Auburn University in 1964 and a master’s degree in human Exercise Science from Livingston University in 1966. As a student at Auburn University, Smith was an accomplished track and field athlete who was later honored on the Tiger Trail, which lines downtown Auburn with engraved names of those who have made outstanding contributions to Auburn Athletics.

Smith served Auburn as the executive director of Alumni and Development, and in 1991, he founded the J. F. Smith Group. An author, lecturer, teacher, and fundraising consultant, he enables others to fulfill their philanthropic dreams and is a popular and respected presenter who has taught fundraising courses at Auburn University and Troy University. He received the 2000 National Society of Fund-Raising Executives Award for Civic Philanthropy in 2017, and Auburn awarded Smith the prestigious Walter Gilbert Award, which recognizes former varsity athletes who have demonstrated decades-long superior performance in their profession.

He is president and CEO of J.F. Smith Group in Auburn, Alabama.

 

What makes you most excited about the College of Education's new building?

The College of Education has long been in need of a new building to better support its mission. I’m thrilled to contribute to this project, knowing it will provide our students with state-of-the-art facilities and resources, empowering them to become even more exceptional educators.

 

There's so much to love about Auburn and its College of Education. What do you love most?

What I love most about Auburn and its College of Education is the incredible foundation it provided me to pursue my passion for teaching and coaching. For 26 years, I was able to make a positive impact in the lives of students and athletes.

 

What do you hope future generations will know about you and the importance of the room that bears your namesake?

I hope it serves as a reminder to former graduates about the importance of giving back. To remain the leading teacher education program in the country, we must continue to invest in the future of the College of Education. State funding alone cannot sustain the level of excellence we expect from our institution — it’s up to us to ensure its legacy of quality and innovation endures.