Michael D. Smith is the John H. Finley, Jr. Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences and a Distinguished Service Professor at Harvard University. He also serves as the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) and eligibility officer for intercollegiate sports.
Having joined the Harvard community in 1992, Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as FAR. In 2020, he chaired the search committee which hired Nichols Family Director of Athletics Erin McDermott. From 2007-18, Smith served as the Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, which includes oversight of the Department of Athletics. From 2003-07, he chaired the Faculty Standing Committee on Athletics, and in 2005-06, he chaired the Steering Committee on NCAA Recertification.
Smith received his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1993 and a Masters from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1985. Smith earned a Bachelors degree from Princeton University in 1983, where he was a member of the varsity swim team. An NCAA qualifier in both his junior and senior years, he was elected captain of the men’s swim team his senior year.
