Gerald Smith

Colonel Gerald “Jerry” Smith, USMC (Ret.) has served as the Director for the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center (VRSC) at Texas A&M University since it opened in 2012. Using the TAMU “Application to Vocation” support model, he leads uniquely tailored campus programs that support over 4,400 military-connected students. In 2018, he assumed the additional duties as the Director of the Office of Veteran Services for the Texas A&M University System. In this role, he facilitates awareness, collaboration, and communication among the 11 campuses of the Texas A&M University System that enroll over 4,000 student veterans and 7,000 military family members.

Prior to joining the TAMU Division of Student Affairs, Jerry served for thirty years as a US Marine Artillery Officer, where he held six command tours with two combat tours (Iraq 2003 & Afghanistan 2007). Other military assignments included eight years in higher education: three years as the Marine Instructor at Rice and Prairie View A&M; one year instructing at the USMC Command & Staff College; and four years as the TAMU Professor of Naval Science from 2008-2012.

He earned a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the National War College, a Master of Science in Military Studies from the U.S. Marine Corps Command & Staff College, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Troy State University. Col. Smith’s Bachelor of Arts is in Political Science from Texas A&M University.

Col. Smith (in collaboration with many others) has raised over $30 million dollars for military connected student support programming, scholarships, and other critical resources.