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Dr. Roland B. Smith, Jr.

Retired Associate Provost, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Adjunct Professor of Sociology Rice University

Dr. Roland B. Smith, Jr. is a prominent figure in higher education with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He is the Founder and CEO of Roland B. Smith, Jr. (RBSJ) Consulting LLC, which he established in 2021 after retiring from Rice University.1 At Rice, he served as Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Adjunct Professor of Sociology.12

Dr. Smith's career highlights include:

Academic Positions

  • Associate Provost and Adjunct Professor at Rice University (1996-2021)23
  • Executive Assistant to the President and Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame13
  • Founding Director of the Center for Educational Opportunity at Notre Dame1

Leadership Roles

  • Charter President of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE) from 2005-20091
  • Chair of the American Association for Higher Education (AAHE) Black Caucus1
  • Board Chair of the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education1

Awards and Recognition

  • Recipient of the inaugural Dr. Roland B. Smith Jr. Leadership Award from AABHE in 20212
  • Rice University Blueprint for Excellence Legacy Award1
  • Award of Excellence from Bowie State University1

Education

  • Ed.D. from Harvard University13
  • M.P.A. from Indiana University13
  • B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology from Bowie State University13

Dr. Smith has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education throughout his career. He has mentored numerous students and professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.2

Related Questions

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Dr. Roland B. Smith, Jr.
Dr. Roland B. Smith, Jr., photo 1
Dr. Roland B. Smith, Jr., photo 2
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Location

Houston, Texas, United States