Awards of Distinction

Kam Smith, of Winston Salem, is a senior marketing major at App State. He will graduate from the university in May.

Smith is the president — and former vice president — of App State's Black Student Association, where he plays a leadership role in the positive promotion of the African American community at large.

Smith also holds a leadership role with App State's New Mountaineer and Family Engagement as the organization's intern supervisor. In this position, he manages and mentors the interns team, ensuring an effective execution of orientation programming and internal operations, among many other duties. Previously, he acted as New Mountaineer and Family Engagement's social media intern, as well as a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader.

"His ability to navigate the complexities of peer management, organizational leadership and program development speaks to his exceptional maturity and problem-solving skills," said Smith's nominator. "In each of these roles, Kam has exhibited an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for his peers while simultaneously enhancing the student experience at App State."

In addition to his leadership on campus, Smith has volunteered with App Builds a Home — a campuswide partnership between App State and Watauga County Habitat for Humanity to help local partner families build safe, affordable homes.