The Voice of Jordan-Hare

Whether you know him as a professor, the internship guy or the voice of the stadium, Ric Smith is someone that has made a lasting impression on the lives of many students, faculty and community members.

Smith has been a dedicated faculty member here at Auburn University in the department of Communication & Journalism since the fall of 1992. Before joining the Auburn family, Smith earned his B.A. at the University of South Carolina. He then earned his Master of Communication and Master of Education degrees here at Auburn.

Smith has had the opportunity to work with four different Olympic games- Atlanta, Sydney, Salt Lake City and Athens.

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How did he get such an amazing opportunity?

Auburn fell within the circle for the Atlanta games to look for recruits, said Smith.

“Once you’re in, you do a good job and you have the opportunity to continue,” says Smith regarding how he got the chance to work with the other three Olympic games.

Smith is also passionate about his position as “the internship guy” or more formally known as the Director of Experiential Learning.

All public relations, communication and RTVF majors are required to complete an internship in order to graduate. Smith oversees every single one.

Smith says that the Summer semester is always the busiest with about 100 individual internships, followed by Spring then Fall.

“What’s great for me is to see students have these amazing internships,” says Smith.

He has seen students go to NYC, LA and even abroad for these internships.

During the fall when Smith isn’t working in his office, teaching or abroad with the Olympics, you can find him in the football stadium. Well maybe you won’t be able to actually find him, but you will sure be able to hear him.

Smith has been the voice of the stadium since the start of the 2006 football season.

“Announcing is the next big thing for me,” says Smith. “It’s hard work but the people are terrific.”

Smith began announcing years ago by getting involved with the campus radio station, Weagle. He also announced for Auburn baseball for 5 years before he hit the announcing jackpot. He was offered the position of football announcer in the spring of 2006 and announced the A-Day game.

“[Football announcing] is a lifelong dream,” says Smith smiling. “A once in a lifetime opportunity. And here I am!”