RAPID CITY, SD – South Dakota Mines Athletics is thrilled to announce the hiring of Susan Smith, PhD, as the new Assistant Athletic Director of Academics and Compliance.

Dr. Smith brings a wealth of experience in academic administration, ethical oversight and a personal understanding of collegiate athletics to the Hardrockers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Susan Smith to the Hardrocker Athletics family," said South Dakota Mines Athletic Director David Crum. "Her academic and advising experience along with her deep understanding of the student-faculty connection will be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes. We are also excited for the impact she will make in the area of compliance, where her eagerness and adaptability—including a strong willingness to research and learn NCAA compliance—demonstrate the leadership potential and growth mindset needed to thrive in this role. Susan's commitment to student-athlete success, both in the classroom and in competition, aligns perfectly with our mission at South Dakota Mines and Hardrockers Athletics."

Dr. Smith joins South Dakota Mines from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where she was a faculty member conducting research and teaching in applied ethics. At RPI, she served as the Academic Liaison for the Women's Field Hockey team and worked with various academic teams to support the success of student-athletes.

Prior to her time at RPI, Dr. Smith was the Academic Coordinator at Mercyhurst University, where she contributed to the development of academic policies, governing student progress and eligibility. She also has a strong background in regulatory oversight, having served as a member of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for research at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Smith holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University at Buffalo, where her research focused on ethics in medicine and research.

"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to join the South Dakota Mines team," said Dr. Smith. "I have a deep respect and understanding for the commitment that student-athletes make to their academics and sports. I look forward to cultivating an atmosphere of success and helping our student-athletes reach their full potential."

A native of Ontario, Canada, Smith and her husband, Dave, have two daughters, Ellis and Kylie.