When you’re meeting students at Clemson, one of the first questions just about everyone seems to use to break the ice is “What’s your major?” If you answer Communication Studies, the question “Do you have Eddie Smith?!” immediately follows. As a senior lecturer and the director of internships and study abroad, Eddie interacts with many students at Clemson. He’s also involved in Greek life as Pi Kappa Alpha’s faculty advisor. After graduating in the early 80’s from Bob Jones University of Greenville, he stayed and earned his master’s at the same university. Following that education, he did some postgrad work at the University of Georgia. He started his career as a professor at Tri-County Technical College and then ended up here at Clemson University. While it’s pretty obvious that Eddie Smith is one of Clemson’s most sought after instructors, it is also no secret that this professor is quite the character. So, Her Campus Clemson had the opportunity to go outside of the classroom and get to know this Campus Celebrity.
First of all, how do you feel about being a campus celeb?
Eddie Smith: Oh my gosh, it’s scary. I can’t do anything wrong because people will know it. I’ll have to walk the straight and narrow all the time now.
What brought you to Clemson?
I first graduated into banking and I hated it. I remembered that I enjoyed teaching as a TA, I taught at Tri-County with a 1-year contract, which turned into 5 years. Later on, Clemson called me and I’ve been here ever since; it’ll be twenty-three years in January. I’ve never had to look for a job, so that’s nice.
What do you love about Clemson University?
Everything! I call Clemson ‘Disney World without the rides,’ it’s the happiest place on earth. Like when some of the Pike pledges were interviewing me yesterday, I told them everyday is a holiday here. The students are great and the people I work with are great, too.
What do you think is the best part about your job?
Working with students one on one. I mean, there’s a few that I wish would just keep walking past my door instead of through it. But for the most part, they’re wonderful.
What is one thing you would change about Clemson?
I’m going to be honest- Clemson has grown in it’s reputation so much that 95% of the staff and faculty are still ‘all in’ for Clemson; but then there’s about 5% that have the attitude of ‘you’re at Clemson, so if you don’t like it go,’ because there’s plenty of people who can and will replace you. I also think the worst words you can tell someone seeking help are “It’s on our website.” I hate that!