From cheerleading to dissertation, higher ed doctoral graduate does it all

When Nic Smith went to college, he realized quickly that he liked being involved with campus organizations — especially with student orientation. But what he didn’t know was that it could be his career.  

“My advisor said to me, ‘You know you can study this for your master’s.’ I was like, ‘What’s this?’” he recalled. “That’s when I realized higher education was something I could study for my master’s degree, and it just so happened I decided to get a doctorate in it as well.” 

Smith, a native of Decatur, Alabama, is graduating from Auburn’s College of Education with a doctorate in higher education and a graduate certificate in workforce education, training and development. While his bachelor’s degree in hospitality and interior design is from the University of North Alabama, the Auburn alumni and fans in his life — his aunt, his high school math teacher and a handful of North Alabama admissions advisors, faculty and staff — encouraged him to continue his education on the Plains. 

“Auburn has always been in my subconscious,” he said. “Even though I didn’t attend it as an undergraduate, it still played a major factor during my undergraduate studies, especially once I decided I wanted to pursue a master’s.” 

But Smith has done more than just earn a doctorate from Auburn's Graduate School; along the way, he’s completed an internship, three assistantships, two stints as an undergraduate instructor and three years as a cheerleader.  

High-impact experiences 

So, what did Smith gain from all those opportunities? Only the knowledge and skills he needs to launch a career guiding others in professional development and life-long learning opportunities.  

Smith began his time at Auburn working as a graduate assistant for First Year Experience, where he trained Camp War Eagle (CWE) and Successfully Orienting Students (SOS) counselors. Being involved in orientation at North Alabama meant he was already aware of the strong reputation of Auburn’s programs, and as a graduate student studying higher education, the experience didn’t disappoint.  

“Working for CWE and SOS as my first position on campus truly solidified that I chose Auburn and my career path for the right reasons,” he said. “In CWE, you learn wholeheartedly what it means to live by the Auburn Creed.” 

Smith also joined the cheerleading team. He got involved in the sport when he took an introduction to cheerleading course in high school, and from there, he went on to cheer competitively outside of school. He said the experience of being a cheerleader lends itself to the study of professional development and career preparation.  

“Cheerleading is definitely professional development,” he said. “We are thrown into a lot of different situations on any given day.” 

Soon, he was completing a graduate internship with Auburn Athletics’ AuburnYOU program, where he managed career and professional development opportunities for current and former student-athletes, including financial wellness seminars and career assistance. His next stop was the Harbert College of Business, where he worked as a career coach and instructor, teaching BUSI 2010, Professional and Career Development II. 

He finally landed in Athletics’ Human Resources department, where he spent the last two years enhancing employee engagement, developing recruitment materials, leading employee orientation programs and supporting key events like student-athlete graduation receptions, student-athlete formals, football parents’ tailgates and Pro Day.

“I’ve had a grand old time in my role in Athletics,” he said. “I’ve met a plethora of people I would never have known if I hadn’t worked there.”  

So, what’s next for this well-rounded higher education professional? Whether it’s consulting, teaching, higher education administration, student-athlete development or professional sports, Smith is hoping his work eventually lands him in the Big Apple.  

“The ultimate dream is to be in NYC,” he said. “Even from the majors I chose in undergrad, my involvement opportunities, the people I’ve met over the years, I’ve always strived to be larger than life — and that’s just what New York City is.”