Duke Leadership Academy Scholars Profile

Terrell Smith

Title: Assistant Director of Athletics/NIL Strategy
Location:
Senior Management Area: Duke Athletics
Class Year: 2025

Bio:
Terrell Smith, a Duke University alumnus and former All- ACC safety, is the Assistant Director of Athletics/NIL Strategy at Duke. He leads the advancement of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) efforts, ensuring athletes, coaches, staff, and recruits have the resources to capitalize on NIL opportunities. Smith manages NIL- related issues, communication strategies, and educational initiatives, while ensuring compliance with Duke and NCAA policies. Smith rejoined Duke in 2022 as Director of the Future Initiative, preparing football student-athletes for post- graduation success. Before returning to Duke, he served as recruiting coordinator at Penn State, contributing to the team's top-ranked 2022 class. Smith also spent three years at East Carolina University as assistant athletic director of football operations. A former Duke football player, Smith earned All-ACC honors in 2003, leading the team in tackles with 140. He graduated from Duke with a degree in political science and a master's degree in humanities. Smith has held roles at Oklahoma State and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, further strengthening his experience in athletics and recruitment.