Employee News
College Announces New Dean of Career Services
RALEIGH, N.C. (January 31, 2024) – Wake Tech is pleased to announce Korrie Blanchard Smith as the new dean of Career Services. Smith, a proud Wake Tech alumna, has served as associate dean since 2023 and brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to the role.
Smith joined Wake Tech as a career specialist in 2014. During her tenure, she has served in several roles within Career Services, including senior director of Career & Professional Development and manager of Career & Alumni Services. She has a proven track record of elevating student success and developing engaging content to excite students for their future. She has been instrumental in expanding Career Services to every Wake Tech student.
"Wake Tech students are the best of the best," said Smith. "They are young people, seniors, career changers and parents – and they feel the impact of Wake Tech's support immediately."
Career Services at Wake Tech also extends beyond the student body. In her new role, Smith is dedicated to connecting all Wake County residents to professional development resources that can elevate their earning potential or help them discover new career paths.
"We also partner with community organizations to reach those most in need," she said. "We take our services out into the community at places like Healing Transitions, Urban Ministries, Dress for Success and more."
Smith has a rich background in education. She began her career as a K-12 teacher before successfully transitioning to adult learners. Her journey, from a Wake Tech student to a lifelong educator, exemplifies the transformative impact the college has on individuals, families and communities.
Smith earned an Associate in Arts degree from Wake Tech, bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Spanish from Appalachian State University and a master's degree in Counseling from North Carolina State University.
Smith also serves as a board member for Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. In that role, she supports Marbles' mission of learning through play – a perfect fit for Blanchard, who believes "career exploration starts early."
Smith takes on her new role after the retirement of Lynn Kavcsak, who served as dean of Career Services for nine years.
