Gene Smith’s 39-year career as a Division I athletics director, including 19 years leading Ohio State, is one of remarkable impact. As the third-longest tenured athletics director in Ohio State history, he’s watched teams win both Big Ten and national championships, with record numbers of student-athletes achieving Academic All-Big Ten and OSU Scholar-Athlete honors. He founded the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute to provide leadership and career development to best prepare Ohio State student-athletes for life after graduation. He was a member of the College Football Playoff Committee; past chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee and also served as President of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) in 1994. In the world of college athletics, there are very few – if any – who have seen and accomplished as much as Smith.

Gene Smith’s 39-year career as a Division I athletics director, including 19 years leading Ohio State, is one of remarkable impact. As the third-longest tenured athletics director in Ohio State history, he’s watched teams win both Big Ten and national championships, with record numbers of student-athletes achieving Academic All-Big Ten and OSU Scholar-Athlete honors. He founded the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute to provide leadership and career development to best prepare Ohio State student-athletes for life after graduation. He was a member of the College Football Playoff Committee; past chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee and also served as President of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) in 1994. In the world of college athletics, there are very few – if any – who have seen and accomplished as much as Smith.

Smith’s career spans nearly four decades, a period during which he not only witnessed but actively influenced the evolution of college athletics. Under his leadership, Ohio State’s athletics department has reached unprecedented heights, achieving success in virtually every sport while emphasizing the importance of academics and life after college. His legacy extends beyond the victories and accolades, with his dedication to leadership development, diversity, and the overall well-being of student-athletes setting a new standard for athletics directors across the nation.

A Storied Career: From His Beginnings to Ohio State

Gene Smith’s career in athletics began long before his tenure at Ohio State. Born and raised in the Midwest, Smith developed a passion for sports early in life, playing football in high school and college. After earning a degree in sports administration from the University of Iowa, he began his professional journey in athletics administration, working at a variety of schools and rising through the ranks. His experiences at institutions like Eastern Michigan, Arizona State, and Iowa State would lay the foundation for his approach to college athletics leadership.

Smith’s journey to Ohio State began in 2005, when he was hired as the director of athletics at one of the most storied athletic programs in the country. At the time, Ohio State was already a powerhouse in many sports, but Smith’s arrival marked a turning point, as he began to put his unique stamp on the athletic department. His leadership would help propel the Buckeyes to new heights, both in terms of athletic achievement and academic success.

Championship Success and Athletic Excellence

Under Gene Smith’s leadership, Ohio State has seen its athletic programs achieve incredible success. Smith has overseen 31 Big Ten championships and 10 national championships across a wide variety of sports. Perhaps the most notable of these championships came in football, where Ohio State won the national title in 2002, a victory that was widely regarded as one of the greatest moments in the university’s athletic history.

While football has often taken center stage at Ohio State, Smith has worked tirelessly to ensure that other programs also flourished under his guidance. The Buckeyes have seen tremendous success in a wide range of sports during Smith’s tenure, including basketball, baseball, volleyball, wrestling, and swimming and diving, among others. His dedication to supporting a diverse array of athletic programs has allowed Ohio State to maintain its status as one of the most successful athletic departments in the country.

Smith’s leadership has also extended to the facilities at Ohio State, which have undergone significant upgrades during his time as athletics director. From the renovations to Ohio Stadium, home of the Buckeye football team, to the construction of the Schottenstein Center, which serves as the venue for men’s and women’s basketball and ice hockey, Smith has ensured that Ohio State’s student-athletes have access to world-class facilities. These upgrades have not only enhanced the student-athlete experience but have also helped elevate Ohio State’s athletic programs to the national stage.

Academic Achievement: A Focus on Student-Athletes

While athletic success is undoubtedly important, Smith has always emphasized the value of academic achievement. As an athletics director, he has championed the idea that student-athletes should excel not only in their respective sports but also in the classroom. Under Smith’s leadership, Ohio State has set numerous records for student-athlete academic success, with a growing number of athletes earning Academic All-Big Ten honors and OSU Scholar-Athlete distinctions.

Ohio State’s student-athletes have consistently performed at a high academic level, thanks in part to Smith’s commitment to providing the resources and support necessary to help them succeed. In 2020, Ohio State set a record with 41 student-athletes earning All-Big Ten Academic honors, a reflection of Smith’s dedication to fostering an environment where student-athletes are able to thrive both academically and athletically.

One of the most significant initiatives Smith launched to support student-athletes was the creation of the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute, a program designed to prepare Ohio State’s student-athletes for life after graduation. The institute offers leadership development and career services programs, as well as mentorship opportunities, helping student-athletes develop the skills they need to succeed in the professional world. By providing these resources, Smith ensured that his athletes were not only prepared to succeed in their respective sports but also had the tools to succeed in life after their playing careers ended.

National Leadership in College Athletics

Gene Smith’s impact extends far beyond Ohio State. He has played a significant role in shaping the future of college athletics on a national scale, serving in several key leadership positions within collegiate athletics organizations. One of his most influential roles came when he was named a member of the College Football Playoff Committee, the group responsible for selecting the teams that would compete in the prestigious College Football Playoff. Smith’s work on this committee helped shape the structure of college football’s postseason, ensuring that it remains a fair and competitive process.

Additionally, Smith served as the chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee, where he played a critical role in overseeing the selection process for the NCAA tournament, which has become one of the most widely watched and anticipated events in American sports. His leadership on this committee helped ensure the continued growth and success of March Madness, further solidifying his place as a key figure in collegiate athletics.

Smith’s involvement in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) is another key aspect of his national leadership. He served as NACDA’s president in 1994, and throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for the advancement of collegiate athletics. His work with NACDA has helped promote the interests of athletics directors across the country and has been instrumental in advancing policies that benefit student-athletes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Legacy of Inclusivity

Throughout his career, Gene Smith has been a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the world of college athletics. He has been a vocal advocate for increasing opportunities for women and minorities in athletics administration and coaching positions. Under Smith’s leadership, Ohio State has made significant strides in promoting diversity within its athletic department, creating a more inclusive environment for both student-athletes and staff.

Smith’s commitment to diversity extends to his personal leadership style. As one of the few African American athletics directors in the country, he has used his position to advocate for greater representation and inclusion at all levels of collegiate athletics. His leadership in this area has set an example for other athletics directors, and he continues to be a strong voice for change and progress within the industry.

Legacy of Service: Mentorship and Impact on Future Leaders

One of the defining aspects of Gene Smith’s career has been his commitment to mentorship and service. Throughout his time at Ohio State, he has worked closely with his staff and student-athletes to help them develop both professionally and personally. Smith has been a trusted mentor to countless individuals, helping them navigate the challenges of college athletics and prepare for successful careers after graduation.

In addition to his work with student-athletes, Smith has been an advocate for young professionals in the athletics administration field. Through his leadership of the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute, he has ensured that future generations of college athletics leaders are equipped with the tools and skills they need to succeed. Smith’s dedication to the development of young leaders is one of the most lasting aspects of his career and one that will continue to have a profound impact on the future of college athletics.