Johns Hopkins Athletics will honor Associate Teaching Professor Bill Smedick at the women’s lacrosse game on Thursday, April 3. Smedick is stepping down as the NCAA faculty athletics representative for Johns Hopkins University, a role in which he has served since 2020. As the JHU faculty athletics representative, he works to ensure the academic integrity of the intercollegiate athletics program, facilitate institutional control for intercollegiate athletics, enhance the student-athlete experience, and act as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs.
In his time with the athletics department, Women’s Field Hockey Coach Jane Wells says she has witnessed the impact of his guidance and leadership among both Hopkins’ student-athletes and coaches. “Working with Bill has been so inspiring, both for me and for our athletes. He always takes the time to check in and to chat and cares so much about our student-athletes and coaches. Bill is someone who we know we can always count on for guidance and support, and we are so grateful for all has done to support our Blue Jays,” Wells said.
As a scholar in leadership studies, Smedick employs his expertise in his role as the faculty athletics representative. In the Center for Leadership Education, he directs the Leadership Studies Program, in which he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership and directs the Leadership Studies Minor. “The student-athlete experience teaches significant leadership skills. I have enjoyed enhancing those leadership learning opportunities working with students, team captains, coaches, and administrators in the JHU Athletics and Recreation Department,” Smedick said.
Pam Sheff, director of the Center for Leadership Education, agrees that Smedick was an ideal candidate for this role. “Bill Smedick has been an asset to our undergraduates for decades. Through his role in the athletics department, he has mentored many student-athletes, helping them better understand their role as a leader on teams, in their communities, and in their professional lives.”
His work with student-athletes led many to his leadership courses, to minors in CLE, and even to CLE’s graduate programs in Engineering Management (MSEM) and Global Innovation and Leadership through Engineering (MSIL). Megan Kielbasa, current MSIL student and member of women’s lacrosse team, credits Smedick with influencing the trajectory of her academic career:
“During my time as undergraduate, I have had the privilege of experiencing several classes that truly changed my academic trajectory, but none more significantly than Dr. Smedick’s leadership courses. What set these classes apart was not just their content, but the way he taught. Dr. Smedick’s classes were always impactful and engaging. I found his teaching to be extremely applicable to real life, and it is what ultimately led me to decide to add a Leadership Studies minor. Even as a graduate student, I still maintain a relationship with Dr. Smedick. This ongoing mentorship demonstrates the very leadership principles he teaches. I encourage all my teammates to take at least one class with Dr. Smedick, regardless of their major or career aspirations,” Kielbasa said.
For Hopkins alum and former student-athlete Maggie Tydings (KSAS ’24), Smedick’s lessons expanded her framework for understanding the role and impact of leadership and education in her own life and the world at large:
“Through the courses I took with Dr. Smedick, the conversations we shared over coffee, and the post-game lacrosse recaps, Dr. Smedick truly prepared me to make a real impact. His courses transcend the syllabus and required material; they changed the way I see the world and my place in it. Yes, I learned about social entrepreneurship and research methods – but I also walked away with a better understanding of myself and the things I care about. His wisdom, kindness, and generosity of spirit make him so special, and I am so lucky to continue to learn from him,” she said.
Senior Lecturer MC Coghlan, who will take over for Smedick as the faculty athletics representative this fall and who Smedick has also mentored, agrees that Smedick’s impact has been far reaching. “Bill has left an indelible mark at Johns Hopkins University in his 36 years on campus. His ability to connect with people is his secret sauce and thousands of students and faculty have benefitted from his leadership. Bill meets each person where they are so he can help them discover what drives them. This allows them to reach their goals and make a difference whether in the classroom, on the field, or in their communities. His legacy is one that will live on in the Hopkins community for decades to come.”