Melinda Smith joined the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design’s student services staff in 2001. She is the director of student services for the Fay Jones School and assists the departments with curriculum management, coordinates student scholarships, aids in the organization of the Fay Jones School commencement and oversees the advising center staff. In 2006, Smith was honored as Outstanding Professional Advisor at the University of Arkansas for her dedication to listening to and acting on students’ behalf.
Having spent over 20 years with the Fay Jones School — and time elsewhere in the university before that — what first led you here, and what has encouraged you to remain all these years?
Probably the taste of my own medicine! I failed miserably in my first year of school and lost a valuable scholarship. I could not afford to return, so I had to work. I was a bank teller for several years before returning to the U of A as the reservationist for the student union in the late ’90s. I really enjoyed working with students in that capacity and wanted to stay on campus. So, I returned to the classroom as a non-traditional student and had an awesome advisor (Shout out to Dave Dawson!), who was key to my completion.
I had never advised in an academic capacity, and I didn’t know a thing about design. I think I knew who I. M. Pei was by virtue of being a crossword puzzle lover, but Jeff Shannon and David Buege took a chance on me. I’m forever grateful for that.
And what has been the most rewarding part of working in Student Services?
I’d be crazy if I didn’t say the students first. I can always rely on students to lift my spirits when I’m having a stressful day. They are good at reminding you that what you do is so impactful. I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the incredibly talented faculty and staff that I have worked with throughout the years. I’ve benefited greatly from Dr. Ethel Goodstein-Murphree’s mentorship. She has given me the opportunity to be involved in several aspects of enrollment and curricular management that not many others in my role do.
What is one memory or moment that stands out from your time here?
Gosh, too many to mention here. Not long after the building remodel in 2013, my usual partner in crime, Sheri Lynn Brown, and I decided to take pictures of an incoming storm from the Sky Terrace. As soon as we got on the elevator, the electricity surged, and we were suddenly stuck between floors.
How have you seen the Fay Jones School evolve over the years — whether in students, programs, or culture?
Two building remodels, the addition of the Interior Architecture and Design program in 2010, accelerated enrollment growth. Under Dean Peter MacKeith’s leadership since 2014, we’ve experienced world-wide recognition of our school, as well as a stunning new research facility in the Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation.
What changes in students’ needs or experiences have you noticed most over time?
Technology advances — for better and for worse. This has always been an active learning environment, but students these days seem to struggle with self-direction, advocating for themselves and taking responsibility for their own academic journey. I once heard an educator say that “this is the safest place to fail.” That’s a scary thought, but we want students to know that we are a safe place for them to talk about these things.
How has being here long-term shaped the relationships you build with students, faculty and alumni?
The dean refers to me as the school’s “empath.” I do have a tendency towards hypersensitivity and wanting to fix things and this school has given me 20+ years of good experience! I get compassion fatigue like everyone else, but I draw comfort from that very same community, and I hope others find that in me. No matter the audience, we all have the same goals and it’s a rich well to draw from.
I also think that folks appreciate seeing a familiar face. Having a long-term presence afforded me the opportunity to become a keeper of institutional history and culture. Stability and reliability provide continuity and a dependable foundation for others.
What advice would you give to new students just starting out?
Come with an open mind. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t just let things happen — advocate for yourself. Prioritize your health and well-being. Life has a way of falling into place if you work hard, try new things, be kind and ask for help. That “Golden Rule” never goes out of vogue.
These are professional programs — not a HGTV episode. Do your research. Come visit us! Design is process and progress — not perfection.
From your perspective, what’s the most important way Student Services supports students’ success?
Cross-training staff, staying flexible and being available. Recognizing that unfamiliar and new routines can be anxiety provoking. I’m extremely proud of our team. I’ve had the same position lines for roughly 20 years, and we’ve still managed to serve our students despite the steep enrollment growth. It’s a dedicated team effort, and my team is the best.
If you weren’t working at the Fay Jones School, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I’d feed my passion for Cheetos and crime shows.