LSU Alumni Geaux Getter: Jared Smith

Finding Stability and Community at LSU

Jared Smith (2023 BACH HS&E, 2024 MAST HS&E) is a first-year coach at Gonzales Middle School in Ascension Parish, making strides to improve the physical education program and supporting all students. Because of his efforts, he was awarded the New Teacher of the Year award for Ascension Parish.

“When I was growing up, I moved around a lot for different reasons,” Smith said. “So, when I got to LSU, I was able to have a stable environment, I met a bunch of interesting people, and I was able to join a bunch of cool communities of like-minded people who share my interests.”

While at LSU, Smith was a part of the Honors College, the Ultimate Frisbee Club, and LSU Residential Life.

Discovering His Passion for Coaching

Originally, Smith was an anthropology major, but after his freshman year, he decided to make a change. He was already working towards a coaching education minor, so he switched to kinesiology and fell in love.  “All I’ve wanted to do since is coach,” Smith said.

He also earned his teaching certificate, allowing him to both coach and teach. Because of the skills he learned, Smith was hired at Gonzales Middle School.

Smith has also been working at the LSU School of Kinesiology during the summer, helping with their research summer camp, editing the curriculum, and recording some virtual lessons.

Recognized for His Impact 

As the New Teacher of the Year award winner for Ascension Parish, Smith is in the running for the statewide New Teacher of the Year award. He said it is a privilege and honor to be a finalist for the prestigious award.

“My biggest thing as a coach, or as an educator in general, is that I like to offer support to students, and let them know that there’s always somebody on campus for them,” Smith said.

This extends to more than just his own students. Despite only teaching boys physical education, Smith said he’ll check on all students while he’s on campus. He thinks it is important to have supportive staff members like himself, especially at a Title One school, a school with a lower socioeconomic status than other nearby schools. He knows students may not receive the support they need after school, so he wants to support them while they’re at school.

LSU helped shape Smith into the person he is today, from his work in residential life as a resident advisor and later as a graduate residence coordinator, he learned what it takes to form a team as well as to coach one.