Dr. Eugene Smith is a Senior Solutions Specialist with Grand River Solutions. He has nine years of professional experience in student affairs, resource management, organizational strategy, change management, and program development. His experience includes policy and advocacy, diversity and anti-racist initiatives, and academic success programs for low-income and underrepresented populations.

Prior to joining Grand River Solutions, Eugene served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Student Success as well as the Title IX Coordinator for Students at Frederick Community College. While there, he oversaw the PASS (Partnership to Achieving Student Success) program, a two-year retention program that assists low-income first-year students and adult learners in transitioning to college. As the Title IX Coordinator for Students, his role consisted of coordinating and monitoring the college’s compliance with Title IX, state civil rights requirements, prevention efforts, and implementation of learning and development in discrimination. He advised senior leadership and stakeholders on federal policies and guidelines while instituting in-service training for faculty and staff who serve as advisors or decision-makers.

Additionally, Eugene served at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) as the Assistant Director for the Center for Identity and Inclusion while also serving as a Title IX Investigator. He created persistence, retention, and diversity initiatives which fostered a positive sense of belonging for a diverse population of students. He also served at Northern Oklahoma Community College (NOC) as Coordinator of International Students and the Diversity Officer. In this role, he led the efforts to create the college’s first strategic plan on diversity and seminars. He also consulted the college president, other senior leaders, and stakeholders on diversity goals and anti-racist initiatives in this role.

He received his Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership and his Master of Higher Education Administration from Morgan State University. He currently resides in Linthicum, Maryland with his wife and son.