Advising is not just a career. It’s a passion that I use every day to help my students meet their goals. I love working with students and watching them succeed.
Becky Smith Advisor for Competency-Based Education
- Staff
College of Innovation and Design
As an academic advisor specialist, my role is not just to help students understand the program guidelines and meet their academic completion requirements. I see myself as a mentor and advocate, providing guidance tailored to their individual goals and supporting them as much as possible from the start of their academic journey to their graduation. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, 15 of which have been in advising, I am deeply passionate about education.
Currently pursuing my master’s, I consider education to be one of the most significant decisions I have made in my life. It has not only provided me with the opportunity to work with incredible individuals but has also allowed me to contribute to programs such as TRIO, DHS, and Perkins, for which I have been honored with an award.
A Conversation with Becky
What would you tell a student thinking about attending East Texas A&M?
We offer a variety of competency-based programs that can be completed all online and at your own pace. There are great programs and organizations offered on campus, and the university community is so friendly and helpful.
What do you like most about being an academic advisor?
I feel the most important role you can have as an advisor is to support and be there for your students, and not just for the academic side of things. Sometimes, they need a little personal support and encouragement. I love being an advisor. I am helping people improve their lives and the lives of their families. It makes me feel accomplished and proud of them and myself.
What motivates you?
My family is a major part of who I am. I come from a very large family, and it is amazing; not a lot of people have that, and I am very thankful for it. I love being a mom, grandmother, sister and aunt. I spend a lot of time with my grandkids. We love movies, and we have a movie night once a week. We love to play games and spend time together. These personal values of family and education are at the core of my professional approach, and I strive to bring this understanding and connection to my work with students and colleagues.
Education
- B.S., Human Resources and Development, The University of Texas at Tyler
- A.S., Tyler Junior College