University of North Texas Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Associate Vice President/Chief Operating Officer
- Email:
- Phone:
- 940-565-3605
- Alma Mater:
- Dallas Baptist, 2009
Dr. Connor Smith was named Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for UNT Athletics by Vice President and Director of Athletics Jared Mosley on January 24, 2023. In this role, he oversees the day-to-day operations of Mean Green Athletics, providing executive leadership across many of the department's internal and external units while advancing strategic initiatives that support competitive excellence, student-athlete success, and the broader mission of the University of North Texas.
Since joining UNT, Smith has partnered closely with department and university leaders to help guide a period of significant growth and momentum for Mean Green Athletics. Through a collaborative approach to strategic planning and execution, the department has achieved record-setting success in competition, academics, fan engagement, and overall growth, creating a strong foundation for sustained long-term success.
Smith brings more than 15 years of collegiate athletics leadership experience with expertise in strategic planning, operations, fundraising, revenue generation, NIL strategy, corporate partnerships, capital projects, marketing, branding, communications, sport administration, compliance, academics, and student-athlete development.
Prior to joining North Texas, Smith served as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Dallas Baptist University (DBU), where he led the department for more than nine years. During his tenure, DBU experienced unprecedented growth in competitive success, fundraising, facilities, enrollment, and external engagement, establishing itself as one of the nation's premier NCAA Division II athletics programs. The Patriots captured 47 conference championships, won the university's first NCAA Division II National Championship, earned numerous NCAA postseason appearances across multiple sports, and consistently achieved outstanding academic success.
Under Smith's leadership, the athletics department underwent significant growth and transformation. He established DBU's first department-wide annual giving program, expanded corporate sponsorships and philanthropic support, oversaw more than 15 capital improvement and facility projects, added six varsity sports, launched the Patriot Broadcasting Network, negotiated the department's first regional television agreement, led a comprehensive athletics brand refresh, and guided the department through multiple conference transitions, positioning the program for sustained success.
Passionate about developing student-athletes beyond competition, Smith helped launch Patriots Prepared, a comprehensive leadership and career development initiative focused on professional readiness, networking, NIL education, and preparation for life after athletics.
Beyond his institutional responsibilities, Smith has supported the broader collegiate athletics community through leadership and service roles with the NCAA, Division II Athletics Directors Association (D2ADA), Lone Star Conference, and NCAA regional advisory committees. He remains actively involved in professional organizations, including NACDA, and previously served as a member of NAADD.
A former four-year letterman and team captain for the DBU golf program, Smith earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Dallas Baptist University before completing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership at Texas Christian University in 2022.
Smith and his wife, Cami, have two daughters, Coraleigh and Copelynn.
