
Criminal Justice Major Turned Military & Academic Coach
Dillon Smith '19 knows well the challenges that come with being a member of the military and a college student. Smith joined the Army in 2011 during his junior year of high school and has held the roles of both student and soldier since enrolling at Alfred University in the spring of 2014. A criminal justice grad and college student development graduate student, he now holds the title of Military & Academic Coach in our Student Affairs Division.

If anyone is suited for the job, it is Dillon, who has thrived as a member of the US Army National Guard, attaining the rank of sergeant, and as an Alfred University student, honored in spring 2019 as one of two Marlin Miller Outstanding Senior Award recipients.
Dillon’s career in the military began well before he matriculated at Alfred University. A four-year member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (JROTC) at Washingtonville (NY) High School, he would earn the position of battalion commander as a senior, overseeing a group of more than 150 cadets. “It has the structure of the military. It really helps you develop leadership skills.”
Dillon also realized when he returned from his deployment to Iraq that he wanted to work on a college campus, specifically in Student Affairs, potentially as a vice president one day. The family atmosphere Dillon has experienced in the military has been evident as well during his time as a student at Alfred University.
“I chose Alfred University because of the personal interaction I had with the faculty and staff. I knew when I visited the school that the professors would really care about my success. They get to know you personally and teach with such a passion."
My Life at Alfred and Beyond
Here are just some of the clubs, places and activities I love:
Dillon Smith
My Hobbies & Interests
- Student Ambassador
- Military Affairs
- Social Justice
My Favorite Places
- Powell Campus Center
- Herrick Memorial Library
My Blog / Website
My Topics
- Social Justice
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Staff