At the corner of Samford and Donahue Drives next to the Auburn Athletic Department sits another building that may go unrecognized but gives the most support for Auburn’s student- athletes: the Charlotte G. Lowder Student-Athlete Development Center. This building houses the academic support staff for all Auburn athletes. Academic Counselor Troy Smith is among the many staff members who work to strategically guide and plan the academic lives of Auburn athletes.


Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village
Smith’s duties include tracking NCAA eligibility, insuring SEC academic standards and giving academic guidance to the student athletes, particularly football players.

A former strong safety at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala., Smith has been in the shoes of these students -athletes.

“Having been a former athlete, I have compassion for the challenges these students face and the obstacles that have to overcome being student-athletes participating in revenue sports,” Smith said.

After a year with the Buffalo Bills, Smith decided that it was time to give back to the student-athletes. His passion for education started within the home with support from his father, a pastor, and the team sports he participated in.

“Both have helped to build my character,” Smith said. “There is no greater opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life than encouraging education through sports.”

The Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., native proves to be a “counselor” throughout his daily work. Although his role involves duties that an academic advisor participates in, such a selecting a course plan for students, Smith expands his duties.

“As an academic counselor in athletics, I have a more hands on role in working with students,” Smith said. “There is a bond we build.”

In the spring 2010, Smith recognizes improvement in many student-athletes, particular 12 seniors that are on path to graduate either this spring of summer. Among these players are linebacker Craig Stevens, receiver Terrell Zachery, offensive lineman Lee Isom and defensive lineman Mike Blanc.

“They are like an empty vessels when they arrive as freshman,” Smith said. “Through nurturing, toiling, sunshine and rain, they bloom into leaders.”

Now in his 11th year as an academic counselor, Smith feels more empowered than ever to support Auburn athletes academically and socially.

“Education is the paramount to success, but we want to raise the students to also be role models,” Smith said.

Smith said that although his salary is not the highest, his job of leading these athletes through education and personal growth exceeds his expectations.

“The benefits and rewards we received in watching these students grow is priceless,” Smith said.

For more information on the academic support staff for Auburn athletes, go to www. http://sass.auburn.edu.