SFA appoints interim dean of students

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University has named a longtime student affairs staff member to serve as interim dean of students.

Dr. Hollie Gammel Smith, assistant dean of student affairs for programs, supervises student engagement programs, the Center for Career and Professional Development and SFA’s award-winning Spirit Teams. Recently, she also has managed SFA’s COVID-19 contact tracing.

In her interim role, she will supervise SFA Counseling Services and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, serve as chair of the Behavioral Intervention Team and advise the Student Government Association.

Smith was selected to serve in the role by Dr. Michara DeLaney-Fields, SFA’s interim vice president for student affairs.

“Dr. Smith is equipped with the skill set to serve in this capacity,” Fields said. “She is committed to this university and serving our students.”
 
After joining the SFA staff in 2005, Smith was named assistant dean in 2011, where she supervises a department with 16 full-time staff members, six graduate assistants and numerous student employees. Smith also serves as an adjunct professor of psychology and educational leadership.
 
She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, both from SFA, as well as a doctoral degree in education from Texas A&M Commerce. She has a history of publications, research and presentations dating back to 2001.

Smith will serve as interim until a permanent replacement is hired for current dean of students Dr. Adam Peck, who accepted the position of assistant vice president at Illinois State University.