Brevard, NC, May 22, 2025 –

At the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education (Gardner Institute), we believe leadership is rooted in purpose, innovation, and a commitment to transforming institutions and systems so every student can thrive. This is our Transformation Vision. As we grow, we’re excited to celebrate those whose creativity and dedication help advance this vision.

The Gardner Institute is thrilled to announce the promotion of Brandon Smith to the role of Senior Associate Vice President, effective May 1, 2025.

“Brandon’s promotion to Senior Associate Vice President reflects his rare ability to bring coherence and strategic focus to complex transformation efforts,” said Dr. Andrew (Drew) Koch, Gardner Institute Chief Executive Officer. “His leadership strengthens the ways we support institutions through our Transformation Vision, and his expanded role will ensure even greater alignment across our people, strategies, and outcomes. I’m excited to see how he will continue advancing this important work.”

We are confident that his leadership and expertise will bring even greater success to the Gardner Institute.
From an early age, I knew I wanted to be an educator—helping students discover how to connect their passions to a greater purpose. Every day, working alongside the Gardner Institute team and our institutional partners, I feel both inspired and grounded in purpose. We are united by a shared mission: to support institutions in redesigning their practices so that more students succeed. I am grateful for this new opportunity to further contribute to that mission and to serve our partner institutions in meaningful ways.- Brandon Smith

As we expand our reach and deepen our mission, we’re committed to elevating those who lead with purpose – because that’s how real, lasting change happens.

Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the people who power our purpose.

For more information on the Gardner Institute and its work, please visit www.gardnerinstitute.org.