We are thrilled to announce Dr. Justin Niehoff Smith, Director of Development 3 with College of Arts and Sciences Development Office at WSU Pullman, as a Crimson Spirit Award recipient.

Justin’s nominators had many great things to say. “Justin Smith is an outstanding member of the College of Arts and Science’s Development Team. As an alumnus of the WSU School of Music, his return to the university a few years ago has brought us a wealth of experience, connection, and community-building. Over his career, Justin earned a doctorate in performance with a minor in educational leadership, worked as a performing artist (voice), and professor of voice. His resume boasts many impactful leadership and administrative experiences for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony, the Oregon Ballet and as a director of development for several institutions.”

“In his role at WSU, Justin is genuinely interested in supporting units across CAS. His work with the School of Music has been particularly impactful. He has gathered alumni together from across many generations to talk about their WSU experiences, and the performance and education opportunities at WSU that have shaped their careers as educators, performers, and industry leaders across the state, region, and nation. In his role as Director of Development, Justin is building communities for our alumni, who return to the program with experience, and our students who benefit from developing mentoring relationships with those alumni. He is also building infrastructure for future Cougs, who engage with these alumni and current students.”

“With Justin’s leadership, in August, the School of Music co-hosted an alumni event in Puyallup, WA, with graduates of the program (Class of 65 and 67, respectively). The event brought 25 distantly- and recently graduated alumni to perform, talk together, and share how the School of Music could support their professional growth. From conversations at that event, the School of Music launched a new Student Ambassadors program this fall, bringing experienced undergraduates into high-school music classrooms across WA to share the college music experience. This program will bring our students into contact with future Cougs, and generate visibility for our program and connection for music students and teachers across the region. Justin’s vision for how School of Music alumni can support future Cougs, and his advocacy for giving back (alumni), and elevating the careers of our alumni (School of Music) is creating a new culture of giving back and growing our programs that will impact School of Music relationships for decades to come.”

“Justin goes the extra distance to connect folks face-to-face both on Pullman campus and on the westside of the state. He has created Zoom parties for alumni to gather and reconnect, and has generously connected School of Music leadership and faculty to those alumni to create innovative and sustained relationships supporting emerging-career Cougs and future Cougs together. Justin’s efforts have seen increased giving to the School of Music, as well as increased conversations with donors who seek to magnify the student experience at the School of Music. As a result of Justin’s community building, the School of Music has started an alumni guest artist program to bring our alumni back to campus to perform for and talk with students about their professional experiences in the field. As a result, Justin’s excellence has brought about change for the education, creative activities, and outreach for the School of Music, in support of WSU’s strategic goals and land-grant values.”

“I am proud to nominate Justin Smith for the Crimson Spirit Award. His work to engage with Cougs and Coug supporters across the country has increased our collective School of Music community exponentially. Justin has served as an invaluable catalyst for the growth and health of our Coug community, and we are grateful for his expertise and dedication to the university and the School of Music.”