Sandi W. Smith

Sandi W. Smith serves as University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University's College of Communication Arts and Sciences, teaching persuasion, communication theory, and interpersonal communication courses while directing research through the Health and Risk Communication Center.

She earned her Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Southern California and maintains active leadership roles including former Chair of the International Communication Association's Interpersonal Communication Division and Board of Directors membership.

Her research examines how social norms, memorable messages, and social support influence health behaviors across critical contexts including organ donation, college student alcohol consumption, breast cancer prevention, and probation/parole communication dynamics, establishing foundational work in health risk communication and interpersonal influence processes.

Dr. Smith's scholarly impact is recognized through prestigious awards including ICA Fellowship, MSU's highest faculty honor, and national book awards for her contributions to communication science.

• Fellow of the International Communication Association (2012)
• University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University (2017)
• Robert F. Banks Award for Institutional Leadership
• NCA Gerald R. Miller book award

As former Director of the Health and Risk Communication Center, she has secured research funding for health communication initiatives while mentoring future scholars through graduate seminars and professional association leadership, with ongoing projects examining communication interventions in criminal justice and public health systems.

Her laboratory work centers on the Health and Risk Communication Center where interdisciplinary teams develop evidence-based communication strategies for health behavior change and risk reduction across diverse populations.