The Division of Student Engagement & Well-being has selected Brian Smith as the new senior director of the Campus Recreation Center after a nationwide search. Smith joins Georgia Tech after serving in multiple roles at the recreation center of the University of California, Los Angeles brings to Georgia Tech a diverse background in recreation and wellness programming that he plans to use to grow the already stellar programming that the CRC offers to the campus community. 

Brian Smith started his professional career at Elon University in 2006 as an assistant director of Campus Recreation. In the summer of 2007, Brian accepted a position at UCLA as a coordinator of Competitive Sports. Brian spent the next 15 years in various roles at UCLA including assistant program director of Competitive Sports, program director of Competitive Sports and most recently as the Associate Director of Recreational Activities. In his current position, Brian oversees the Marina Aquatic Center facility, programs and services, the Competitive Sports program, Athletic Training, Adaptive programs and Instructional programs.  

“We are excited about the breadth and depth of experience that Brian brings with him to Georgia Tech, particularly his experience facilitating the emergence and growth of adaptive programs and esports at UCLA,” said Kasey Helton, associate vice president for Campus Services. 

Under Smith’s tutelage, the UCLA Club Sports program grew from 25 programs to 56 programs, club officer development and employee development spiked, new programs like Athletic Training, Adaptive Athletics, and Esports emerged, and the club sports program has seen its best years in fundraising and sponsorships. Smith started UCLA Esports with a student group on campus and developed it into one of the most recognized programs in the country.  

“I am extremely excited to begin working at Georgia Tech and in the Division of Student Engagement and Well-being. The creation of this division prioritizes collaboration and I look forward to working with my colleagues,” said Smith. “I also cannot wait to begin leading and working with the staff at the CRC. We will continue to build on the already strong programs, services, and facilities we offer and look for new and innovative ways to engage our students, faculty, and staff across campus.”

Smith has served National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) in various roles for the past 15 years. This includes hosting tournaments at UCLA, hosting the 2013 Regional Conference in Los Angeles, serving on the Member Network for three years, and most recently serving on the NIRSA Board of Directors as an Annual Director. 

He has a passion for all things competitive, creating team environments, being active, and seeing students reach their potential through campus involvement. Accompanied by his wife Kimberly, they look forward to moving to Atlanta and starting their next journey with Georgia Tech which started on July 1, 2022.