Gerard Smithwrick
Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, The University of Texas at Austin, expected 2026
M.S. in Higher Education Administration, Barry University, 2017
B.A. in History, Kean University, 2015
Email: gerard.smithwrick@utexas.edu
M.S. in Higher Education Administration, Barry University, 2017
B.A. in History, Kean University, 2015
Email: gerard.smithwrick@utexas.edu
Gerard E. Smithwrick is a New Jersey native and currently, a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy pursuing his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at The University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Bachelor's degree in History from Kean University, followed by earning his Master's degree (M.S.) in Higher Education Administration from Barry University. Scholastically, Gerard is interested in researching the development of leadership and involvement in Black students at predominately white institutions (PWIs).
Student leadership and development has always been at the core of Gerard's scholastic and professional journey, and believes that engagement through leadership experiences at the college level is what helps propel students to "change the world". Gerard has worked at The University of Texas at Austin supporting the needs of students and families within University Housing and Dining and currently serves as the Assistant Director for Residence Life, helping students create impactful moments to enrich the living-learning experiences for themselves and residential communities. His professional portfolio includes work in Residence Life, Student Activities/Student Organizations, Fraternity/Sorority Life, and Student Government.
Student leadership and development has always been at the core of Gerard's scholastic and professional journey, and believes that engagement through leadership experiences at the college level is what helps propel students to "change the world". Gerard has worked at The University of Texas at Austin supporting the needs of students and families within University Housing and Dining and currently serves as the Assistant Director for Residence Life, helping students create impactful moments to enrich the living-learning experiences for themselves and residential communities. His professional portfolio includes work in Residence Life, Student Activities/Student Organizations, Fraternity/Sorority Life, and Student Government.
