Sept. 16, 2014 SAN DIEGO - Bobby Smitheran has accepted a new position to become San Diego State Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, the athletic department recently announced.
In his new role, Smitheran will oversee each athletic student service area for all Aztec student-athletes, including academic advising, admissions, NCAA eligibility processes, housing and food services, student rights and responsibilities, student-athlete wellness and life skills/student-athlete affairs.
He was previously the San Diego State director of compliance for two years after serving as the SDSU football director of operations for two seasons, where he oversaw the administrative side of the Aztec football program. Prior to that, Smitheran was SDSU's student-athlete service coordinator.
"I've had the opportunity to serve in a variety of capacities within the athletics department, and I'm excited to be in a leadership opportunity that contributes to the experience our student-athletes have," Smitheran said. "I look forward to working with the campus community to enhance the experience our student-athletes have off the field, in the classroom and in the campus community.
"I appreciate the opportunity (Director of Athletics) Jim Sterk, (Senior Associate Athletic Director) John David Wicker and (Associate Vice President for Student Services) Dr. Reggie Blaylock have given me, and I look forward to the continued success of all SDSU student-athletes."
Smitheran initially came to The Mesa in September of 2008, when he was the athletic department's liaison to the office of admissions, housing department and the NCAA Eligibility Center. He also assisted the director of compliance with eligibility issues and educational seminars.
Prior to San Diego State, Smitheran was the assistant athletic director for compliance and student support at UC Irvine. In that position, he supervised the department's compliance program and had significant responsibilities with the admissions process, while also providing academic counseling assistance to UCI student-athletes. In addition, Smitheran served as the liaison to the office of admissions and relations with schools, housing administrative services and the office of financial aid and scholarships.