The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Texas names Dr. LaToya Smith Senior Associate AD for Student Services
06.29.2017 | Texas Athletics, Student Services
Former University of Texas Associate Dean of Students and Associate VP/Title IX Coordinator for Compliance Services to further strengthen accomplished unit.
AUSTIN, Texas – Dr. LaToya Smith has been named Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services, Texas Athletics announced on Thursday. Smith, a Texas Ex, earned both her B.A. in psychology and Ph.D. in higher education administration from UT. She assumes oversight and management of student services for the Longhorns 20 sports programs with the goal of continuing improvement in all facets of academic success from initial enrollment through graduation. In addition, she will bolster student-athlete recruiting efforts by increasing collaboration with campus faculty, student affairs staff and other colleagues.
Smith has worked in various capacities for Texas since 2005. As Associate Dean of Students she led efforts to host the first campus-wide symposium on enhancing the culture of academic integrity. As Associate Vice President and Title IX Coordinator for University Compliance Services, she played a key role in creating a robust Title IX Office and Deputy Title IX structure across campus departments. Smith is a faculty member and has taught a course, College Student Personnel Administration, in the Education Administration curriculum.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to lead our accomplished student services department into the future," said LaToya Smith. "Texas is a special place that transforms lives. I look forward to working with our staff to provide a structure and support system that can help our student-athletes thrive in their educational pursuits."
"LaToya's background in higher education administration as well as her years of experience on our campus in various roles has prepared her for this crucial role in our department," said Mike Perrin, Men's Athletics Director. "LaToya's leadership will help Texas Athletics deliver on our ultimate goal of every student-athlete at Texas earning a degree while competing for championships."
Texas Athletics has strong metrics that define student-athlete success. In May of 2017, the NCAA announced the multi-year (2012-16) Academic Progress Rates of all Division I programs. Every one of UT's 20 teams scored a 975 APR or better, with three teams receiving a perfect 1,000 score (men's tennis, women's basketball and women's swimming and diving). In addition, 263 student-athletes earned a 3.0 GPA and a spot on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2017 spring semester 2017, with 26 individuals earning a 4.0.
"We are proud of the academic accomplishments of our student-athletes and the commitment of our coaches to their academic success and career leadership development," said Chris Plonsky, Women's Athletics Director. "LaToya and all staff who contribute to the student experience here at UT will execute a plan to make our program even stronger."
