Issue date: March 27, 2003

Profile

NAME: Audrey Smith
OCCUPATION: Office Assistant, Women's Resource Center

Since the establishment of the Women's Resource Center in 1992, one woman has done her best to manage the office in a way that is effective, efficient and staff- and client-friendly.

Whether she is coordinating schedules, booking program sites, or providing support to center groups and committees, Audrey Smith is part of a team trying to create an environment that is sensitive, open and receptive to all individuals.

"Working at the center is very busy, exciting and quite rewarding," Smith said. "I enjoy being in a unit where there is vision, and an opportunity to take part in the development of something new, something different, something empowering."

Smith was born in Saginaw, the second of four children, and has her bachelor's degree from the College of Social Science at MSU. She began working for MSU in 1981 as a clerk/receptionist in the Office of Human Resources, and has been with the university since.

"My job allows me to observe the growth of students as they become leaders and move through various stages while working at the center," Smith said. "No two days are ever the same and you have to be prepared for whatever takes place."

Smith is the proud aunt of two nephews and two nieces, as well as many godchildren. She is a member of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Lansing, and helps sponsor a Greater Lansing annual spelling bee for students in grades one through seven through the Parents Action Committee on Minority Academic Concerns. Her main passion is being involved in projects that help ensure the success of youth.

--By Joel Haist