Marlon Smith, the new director of the Center for Africana & African American Studies, arrived in June eager to strengthen USC Upstate’s program. This fall he added two new courses in Africana and African American Studies, and he looks forward to offering a robust array of classes that will appeal to students in diverse academic fields. Smith has also been busy hosting events, on campus and off. Here he shares his early career aspirations and an unusual culinary adventure in Peru.
Where were you born?
I was born in Fort Worth, Texas.
What did you dream of being when you were a child?
I dreamed of one day becoming a lawyer.
Who was your favorite teacher, and why?
My favorite teacher was my 11th grade teacher Ms. Rose. She was the first teacher to ever introduce me to Black writers. “Native Son” by Richard Wright was the book. We are still friends to this day!
What was your first job?
My first job was working in my grandmother’s beauty shop.
What’s a talent you wish you had?
I wish I could draw. I am jealous of people who can create images out of a blank page
What book is on your nightstand (or tablet) right now?
The Bible
What’s your favorite way to unwind?
Eating pizza and watching movies at home
Do you have any pets?
No
What three albums would you want with you on a desert island?
- Michael Jackson -- Off the Wall
- Lyfe Jennings -- Lyfe 268-192
- Marvin Sapp -- Diary of a Psalmist
What’s your favorite vacation place?
Brazil
What or who inspires you?
People who are committed to serving others.
Favorite TV or streaming show?
My favorite TV show of all time is “A Different World.” It was the show that introduced me to college life.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Eating fried rat in Peru.
What five items (not counting pets) in your possession have special significance for you?
- A photo of me and my stepfather in the hospital before he passed away.
- A picture of my daughter when she was 3 years old. It reminds me that time goes by fast.
- My fraternity membership card. I always knew I was going to pledge Kappa Alpha Psi so I keep my original membership card in my wallet.
- My doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- A grandfather’s high school graduation photo. It reminds me how far I have come in my life.
What’s something on your bucket list?
I want to go to Egypt.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Macadamia nut cookies with milk
What’s your proudest achievement so far?
Being a father and grandfather.
If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?
I would be taller. I didn’t want to get too tall when I was younger because I was a gymnast. Now that life is over, I want the height that I missed out on.
What’s your favorite thing about USC Upstate?
Building out the program for the Center for Africana & African American Studies. I love the ability to build something that can last beyond me that others will have the opportunity to benefit from.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
That I used to want to be a professional singer and artist. I sang in the Texas Boys Choir growing up and with several professional gospel artists when I was younger.