Excellence in Leadership (Classified)

Tami Smith

Tami Smith, the program facilitator in the Office of the Registrar, worked tirelessly with the Office of the President, the Office of Marketing and many other units around the university to ensure that Wright State’s online commencement ceremonies went off without a hitch in the spring of 2020.

Every year, Smith sets out to make commencement a memorable and enjoyable experience for all graduating students and their families.

Throughout the pandemic, Smith has displayed tenacity, collaboration, positivity, flexibility and leadership through her work on commencement. She did her best to perform with as little disruption as possible to students, faculty and staff.

“Her leadership during this challenging time enabled other employees in our office to feel comfortable working from home knowing someone was in the office when issues arose,” said Melinda Schneider, assistant registrar.

Throughout the pandemic, Smith worked hard to process graduation applications and make a program for commencement. When she learned that the 2020 commencement would be moved online, she worked with the President’s Office, the Office of Marketing and other staff to ensure all students were included in the online ceremony.

And when she learned that Wright State would hold six in-person graduation ceremonies in the spring of 2021, she reworked her online processes to ensure the ceremonies ran smoothly.

“Her leadership during these ceremonies was nothing short of spectacular,” Schneider said. “Tami’s relentless pursuit of perfection and care for our students ensures our commencement ceremonies run smoothly and provides a sense of pride to me and our office.”

Smith works to ensure all of Wright State’s students have the name they identify with, including alternative names for transgender students. She is also attentive and thoughtful when processing graduation awards for posthumous degrees.

“As one of the last people our students have contact with, her professionalism and helpfulness are remembered by many students,” Schneider said. “Tami demonstrates her leadership qualities and dedication every day.”