Poole Staff Spotlight: Meet Allison Smith

By Caroline Barnhill

A Raleigh girl born and bred, Allison Smith joined the Poole Pack in 2019 after she decided to pivot from her career in technology to the world of higher education. “I worked for a few tech companies and realized it wasn’t the best fit for me,” Smith says. “When I saw a temp position open within the Office of Undergraduate Programs at Poole College, I went for it.”

And the rest, they say, is history. Today, Smith serves the college as an operations assistant, where she assists the college and Office of Undergraduate Programs with various projects and events. This includes coordinating events like commencement and Poole Party. Additionally, Smith is responsible for developing and managing the team of student workers at the front desk of the undergraduate programs suite.

Q&A with Allison Smith

What is a project in your current role that you are particularly proud of? 

I love the opportunity to hire, develop and work with our Poole student workers. It’s a big part of my day-to-day job and it’s what I enjoy doing most. 

What’s the most memorable Poole College event you have attended?

Poole Commencement! I serve as the day-of coordinator, so I’m the person you see running around with the headset making sure the timing is correct and everyone is where they are supposed to be. It’s so special to watch the students we’ve gotten to know over the course of their time with Poole walk across that stage. It’s special for their families but it’s also special for us.

Why do you love being a part of Poole?

The people – especially the ones I work with in our Office of Undergraduate Programs. They are so dedicated to serving our students and giving them the best experience possible. I’m also so thankful for our students, who are wonderful, motivated and hard-working people.

Tell us more about your life outside of Poole College.

My husband and I have a Golden Retriever named Jeter – named, of course, after former Yankee Derek Jeter. We love to travel and are heading to Italy this November. But we also love traveling within the state. I went to Appalachian State University, so I love going to the mountains. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball. My dad told me in 7th grade that I had to pick a sport. After I stopped crying, I opted for volleyball. Who knew I’d be playing ever since?! I play indoor, sand and grass – all the things. I play pick-up games about once a week. I even coached a middle school volleyball team for a couple of years. 

My Poole colleagues might not know…

I met my now-husband when I was 10. We were in “tack out camp” at the YMCA together. We became high school sweethearts and got married five years ago.