Maure Smith-Benanti

(she, her, hers)

Maure Smith-Benanti grew up in Provo, Utah and completed her official education at Utah State University. She is a life-long learner and educator. Maure says her favorite thing to do is to hang out with her little ones, Elliott and Zora, and her wife, Sarah. Maure says that “Elliott’s laugh could change the world, and Zora's joy is contagious and infectious. They are the best motivation for a work/life balance.” She also enjoys good poetry, equity, justice, and digging around in the dirt.

For Maure, the best thing about Grinnell College are the students. Maure explains that “passionate, engaged, and energetic students who are life-long learners are my favorite kind of people.” She adds that her colleagues are pretty fantastic as well.

As the assistant vice-president of Student Affairs and dean for Inclusive Initiatives, Maure says it’s her job to make sure that signature programs in Student Affairs are developed, implemented, maintained and assessed in a way that is collaborative, intentional, and aligned with the strategic values and mission of the college. Programs such as the FYE: Connections course, inclusive leadership programs, internationalization of the student experience, and any programs that support an inclusive community climate are just a few examples of the work in her portfolio. She is deeply invested in each student's sense of belonging and awareness that every aspect of their identities are valued, engaged, and supported, “so that they can successfully be their whole, authentic selves.”

Maure’s office is located on the third floor of the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center, 310J. Stop by and say hello anytime, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or call 641-269-3700 to set up an appointment.