Dr. DeQuan Smith serves as Assistant Dean for Student Success at the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), where he provides strategic leadership for the institution’s Student Success Center and student support initiatives. Working closely with the Office of Student Affairs, he oversees programs and services focused on academic achievement, advising, wellness, career development, and the cultivation of a student-centered learning environment designed to support learner success across the medical education continuum.
With more than 15 years of experience in higher education and academic medicine, Dr. Smith is recognized for designing and leading innovative student success strategies that improve retention, engagement, and learner outcomes. His professional background spans student affairs, academic affairs, workforce development, and institutional leadership, with a strong emphasis on educational equity, leadership development, and holistic student support.
Prior to joining XOCOM, Dr. Smith held several leadership roles at the Morehouse School of Medicine, including Associate Director of Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences, Inaugural Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, Founding Assistant Dean for the Office of Inclusive Learning & Accessibility Services, and most recently, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. Across these roles, he led cross-functional initiatives that strengthened the learner experience, expanded student support services, and advanced institutional excellence across MD, PhD, MPH, Physician Assistant, and master’s-level programs.
In addition to his leadership in academic medicine and student affairs, Dr. Smith brings extensive experience in higher education teaching and leadership development. He is also an executive coach, having completed the Executive Coaching Foundations Program through Emory University.
At XOCOM, Dr. Smith plays a key role in advancing the college’s mission to reimagine medical education and support the development of compassionate, culturally responsive physician leaders committed to improving healthcare outcomes for all populations.
