Research and Development Center

RYAN SMITH
Human Resources Recruiter

Hometown:
Peoria, IL

Alma Mater:
Bradley University

Nicknames:
Smythe

Most vivid college memory:
It sounds corny but meeting my wife. I think I knew before I knew.

Favorite class in college:
Creative Writing

Least favorite class in college:
Human Resources (yes the irony is not lost on me)

Advice I’d like to give to college students:
This is the only time where learning is your job; enjoy it and take advantage of it.

Hobbies:
Food (cooking it and eating it)

Favorite Music:
I am pretty eclectic in my music taste, depending on the day I could be listening to country, rock, classical, or rap.

Favorite Movies:
Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Super Troopers

Favorite TV Shows:
Fringe, America’s Test Kitchen

Favorite Quote:
Rumack: Can you fly this plane, and land it?
Ted Striker: Surely you can't be serious.
Rumack: I am serious... and don't call me Shirley.
-Airplane

Hero/Role Model:
My father

What I like most about my work at the Research and Development Center:
I love working in an environment that exists to foster innovation and creativity.

My future vision for the Research and Development Center:
To develop the Research and Development Center into a “household name” at the University of Illinois

Outside of work, I think I’m really good at:
Cooking