Episode 4: Dr. Dean Smith, Assistant Professor of Journalism

In this episode of Not for Credit, we sit down with Assistant Professor of Journalism Dean Smith—yes, that Dean Smith (well… not exactly). After clearing up the name confusion, we dive into a career that spans music, journalism, law, and nearly two decades in the classroom.Dean shares how growing up between a journalist mother and a music-loving father led him from studying music performance to a 20-year run in print journalism, where he covered everything from classical music to unforgettable moments like a weekend with Luciano Pavarotti. From there, he takes us inside his transition to academia, where he’s built a dynamic approach to teaching media law and First Amendment history—less lecture, more “rehearsal.”We also get real about the evolving demands of higher ed, the challenge of teaching at scale, and why the stories behind landmark legal cases still matter today. Along the way, Dean brings his signature mix of seriousness and curiosity—symbolized by a judge’s gavel on one hand and an ostrich egg on the other.It’s a conversation about storytelling, free expression, and the responsibility of helping the next generation find their voice—with plenty of great stories along the way.