IWU Graduate Nathan Smith

By: Dezaray Barr

Nathan Smith and his wife

Nathan Smith graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management. “I took college classes at IWU while I was in high school in Marion,” Smith said. “A traveling music group performed at my youth camp, and I got really excited about being involved in the music program like they were.”

Smith was involved in Chorale for four years, and he worked in the PPAC for three years. “I loved living on campus and participating in activities.  My sister and future brother-in-law also attended IWU at the same time.  Three of the guys in my wedding party were from IWU,” he said.

While a student, Smith really treasured chapel services. “The amazing worship teams and weekly speakers challenged and emboldened my faith,” he said. “There were times that I was running from God during those years, but I appreciate the strong community that supporting me in my journey and helped be the hands and feet of Christ. The University was a safe place to grow and develop in my faith.”

Now, Smith works for Lincoln Financial Group. He manages a Call Center team who handle phone calls for client’s retirement accounts. Smith said, “I also work closely with clients, I onboard new staff, and I guide projects that enhance the experiences of our staff and customers.”

During his time at IWU, Smith’s focus on local church and service empowered him to live differently even after he graduated. “Using the training and experiences I gained working with people, I’ve been very involved with volunteering in the 15 years since graduation,” he shared. “It has also been rewarding to coach college students and the under-employed on how to prepare for their careers or re-enter the workforce. I love my career, and I equally value the opportunities I get to serve.”

Outside from his professional career, Smith is an experienced actor. He was the lead actor in Fort Wayne Civic’s The Little Shop of Horrors. He’s played Charlie in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and Evan Roberts in the musical Bend Us.

Smith is married with three children, all under six-years-old. Since graduation, he and his family have lived in Fort Wayne, and he dreams of traveling to Japan someday where his wife served as a missionary.

 

 

Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a junior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.