Mike Smith joined the University of Arizona in March 2025 as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Development Officer, leading all aspects of Arizona Athletics’ fundraising strategy and philanthropic engagement. He is a key member of the department’s Executive Team and oversees the Wildcat Club and related development initiatives in support of student-athlete success.
Smith arrived in Tucson after more than five years at Texas A&M’s 12th Man Foundation, where he served as Assistant Vice President of Major Gifts. In that role, he played a critical part in advancing capital projects and major gift efforts that supported the Aggies’ long-term vision for athletic excellence.
Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Smith has held fundraising leadership roles at Auburn, Penn State, the University of Dayton, and the University of North Texas, with a track record of building strong donor relationships and driving results across multiple Division I programs.
Smith earned both his bachelor’s (2010) and master’s (2012) degrees from Auburn University. He and his wife, Ellie, live in Tucson with their son, Tripp.
