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.
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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.
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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.
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