Adrianne Smith brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in student affairs and auxiliary services from the University of Montana, where she most recently served as senior director of the University Center & James E. Todd Center. She oversaw a broad portfolio including student unions, campus events, retail and conference services, facilities, sustainability, and student engagement.

Her achievements include managing over 13,000 events annually (producing $4M+ in revenue), leading major renovation projects, advancing sustainability initiatives (19% energy savings and 59% waste reduction), launching Esports and wellness collaborations, and implementing data-driven and safety-focused management systems.

She's also been recognized for her inclusive leadership and community partnerships, has successfully guided diverse teams with an emphasis on equity, innovation, and service excellence.

Now, as UNLV's new director of Student Union and Event Services, she shares about her adjustment to the Las Vegas area and her dedication to student success.

As the newest director in Student Affairs, how do you plan to shape your position?

Student Affairs work is so special because it sits at the intersection of education, human development, and community building. We are not just managing programs and facilities but helping shape people’s lives, identities, and futures. I am a practitioner in student development. My work and approach is very intentional and always student-centered.

What makes working in Student Union and Events Services so special to you?
Student unions bring together every part of campus life. They create shared experiences and memories. Student unions should be the hub of campus life and tell the story of past and present students while welcoming the students of tomorrow. It is challenging to say the least on how to accomplish this story telling. How do we honor our past, stay relevant in the present and innovative to attract future students?

The work we do is intentional and mission-driven. A student union is not just a building. At its core, the Student Union embodies values of student affairs such as engagement, inclusion, learning, and community.

What do you enjoy most about working in this field?

It is very important to me that my work has social value. Work in Student Affairs has deep social value because it directly contributes to the development, well-being, and success of individuals and communities. Our work lies in shaping not just educated individuals, but compassionate, ethical, and engaged citizens who help make society more just, connected, and humane.

What’s something you’ve learned from working in this field that you wish you’d known when you first started?

I have a personal philosophy to not take myself too seriously. Otherwise, I’m going to get in my own way, make mistakes, and not be student centered. How I show-up in places and my decision-making should support student learning, belonging, and success. I had to learn to balance institutional priorities with the human side of student development. I learned that what seemed like small wins were actually big impacts in the lives of students. It did not always have to be splashy, nor did I have to be the driver. Rather a measured, collaborative, and thoughtful approach to programming, service delivery, and facility and resource management proved more effective.

To give it perspective, working in Student Affairs and in particular, Student Unions, we are not saving lives but without a doubt, we are making an impact on the lives of students. It's understanding our role in the campus and staying true to that.

Being new to Vegas, what do you like so far?

Everyone has been warning me about the harsh weather here in Las Vegas, but I left harsh weather coming from the other end of the spectrum in Montana. I am so ready for a different climate.

I was drawn to something different, to diversity, to something larger. UNLV has so much to offer; it is growing and innovative. It has amazing academic programs and a beautiful campus. I find that the “Rebel Spirit” is authentic and embedded in campus life and campus community. I quickly and proudly identified as a Rebel. 

What favorite shows are you watching or binging?

I just finished the third season of Invasion on Apple TV and also watching the fifth season of Slow Horses on Apple TV.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Life is too short to have guilty pleasures. It is about balance rather than denying yourself, but I guess if there is something I may want but will say to myself “oh, I shouldn’t” it would probably be in reference to ice cream. 

If you could have a chat over coffee with anyone (alive) in the world right now, who would that be and why?

Perhaps it is not overly creative, but I would love to meet and have a conversation with Michelle Obama. I think she is someone who you could conversation with on any subject, whether it be about politics and social justice to what is the most recent movie you have seen or book of fiction you have read, how your kids are doing to what your partner has done most recently to irritate you. She seems real, down to earth, kind, and authentic. She takes time to speak with anyone regardless of who you are and where you come from. Human connection is so important and something I think is missing from our society today.