Duke Today
Candis Watts Smith has been appointed to an 18-month term as interim vice provost for undergraduate education. In this role, she will provide strategic vision and leadership for the many facets of Duke’s undergraduate educational experience, and will lead the Office of Undergraduate Education and its initiatives to support student success, foster intellectual community, and facilitate experiential education for undergraduates.
Smith begins her service this month, working alongside outgoing Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Gary Bennett, who will become dean of Duke’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences in February.
“I am delighted to have Candis take on this role,” said Interim Provost Jennifer Francis. “Candis is an outstanding scholar and teacher who cares deeply about the Duke undergraduate student experience, and I am confident she will excel in her leadership of both the Office of Undergraduate Education and our university-wide efforts to provide transformative learning opportunities for all undergraduate students.”
Smith is an associate professor of political science whose scholarship examines the influence of race and ethnicity in shaping citizens’ identities, political attitudes, and policy preferences. She earned undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. degrees at Duke and has been deeply engaged in the undergraduate experience since she joined the Duke faculty in 2021.
Smith serves as faculty director of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, on the Interdisciplinary Strategy Council, and on the President’s Athletic Council. In addition, Smith and her family live on East Campus, where she serves as Faculty in Residence for the Southgate residence hall.
“I am excited to take on this role,” said Smith. “I had a great experience as a student at Duke, and I hope to be able to pay that forward a bit by being an advocate for our students, and helping them connect to the many opportunities, resources, and possibilities available at Duke.”
Political Science