The Second Annual Smith Advisory Councils Day Draws Over 200 Participants

Two hundred twenty alumni, faculty, staff and company representatives gathered at Smith on Friday, October 7 for the Advisory Councils Fall Rekindling 2022. That’s more than double the number of participants in 2021, when the councils began. Some of them attended virtually and more than 100 companies were represented. This event brings alumni, employers and research centers together to evaluate the Smith School’s programs and curriculum to make sure they effectively prepare students for the ever-changing world of work.

“Advisory councils are necessary to bring this school to even bigger impact on society,” says Smith School Dean Prabhudev Konana. The councils are made up of 20 to 30 members who serve two years terms, and offer knowledge about the skills employers want their employees to have. The members also have firsthand experience with the latest business developments.

As the dean welcomed the participants, he emphasized one of the reasons employers are invited to take part is to find out how they use Smith to further their own education, that of their employees and others. Konana also saying in his remarks something he’s well known for, “we are as good as our alumni, how well they do and how well our students do. When they do very well, we look very good.”