Words and Music
Todd Smith (’12), English major with a minor in communication
Dr. Jean Filetti, associate professor of English and department chair
Hailing from nearby Hampton, Va., Todd Smith has made an impact as a CNU undergraduate. From the Marching Captains and Kappa Kappa Psi national honorary band fraternity to serving as a student ambassador and orientation crew leader, he has developed vast talents and leadership skills.
“The moment I stepped onto CNU’s campus I felt some sort of ‘home’ feeling,” he says. And as an active student he has built a close-knit family of peers through groups like Men of Vision and Excellence (M.O.V.E.).
“M.O.V.E. has provided me with friends who share some of the same goals, beliefs and ideals I do,” he says. “They are a group I can relate to, hang out with and learn from.” M.O.V.E. promotes academic achievement and a sense of community on campus, in addition to planning outreach programs. The organization works “to make sure the needs of African-American males are heard — and to make sure the resources we can offer are known,” Smith notes, adding that M.O.V.E. has “expanded to meet the needs of all men.”
One aspect of CNU Smith especially enjoys is the University’s emphasis on the arts. “The opportunity to travel to London with the marching band was a once-in-a-lifetime event,” he says. “As a musician, I also appreciate the opportunities available for me to display my talents. I recently performed in the Homegrown Musical Festival hosted by CAB.”
Faculty support enriches his education. “Todd is pursuing a degree in English with a concentration in writing and a minor in communication, an appropriate coupling for someone with his strong written and oral communication skills and interests,” says his academic advisor, Dr. Jean Filetti. “He is one of those students who lights up a room when he enters — personable, optimistic, engaging.”
Such a positive mentoring relationship fuels Smith’s success. “Dr. Filetti really cares about the goals and dreams of the students she oversees. She does a great job making sure I have my foot in the right direction,” he says.
After graduation, Smith hopes to pursue a career in public relations. He dreams of either working in PR for Levi’s or writing for Rolling Stone. At CNU he’s getting his PR feet wet as an intern in the Office of Communications and Public Relations.
Smith hopes future Captains have an equally positive four years here. “CNU has a lot of leadership opportunities and connections with the surrounding community,” he says. “Make sure you get involved so you can be fully aware of them and make the most out of your college experience.”
