School of Planning, Design and Construction

Jeff Smith is an instructor of urban and regional planning in the School of Planning, Design and Construction at Michigan State University. He is also director of the University Corporate Research Park at the MSU Foundation.

In his role at the Research Park, Smith manages and directs the real estate and economic development opportunities, to include the Research Park and the Technology Innovation Center business incubator, as well as develops opportunities and resources for companies commercializing University technologies into the marketplace.

Prior to this role, Smith was the director of the New Economy Division of LEAP in Lansing, Michigan. he has been involved in the launch of the East Lansing Technology Innovation Center, The Hatch, Lansing Startup Weekend, Ignite Lansing, The Hatching, Launched, as well as manager of the Lansing Regional Smartzone.

As an entrepreneur, Smith has been involved in the launch of several for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including:

• Founding partner of Stratodynamics.
• Board member of SU2 Systems.
• Founding member of Pure Venture Partners. 
• Founding partner and board member of Pointillism LLC.
• Founding partner and board member of Capitol Collective. 

Smith also served as an advisory board member for the Entrepreneur Institute of Mid-Michigan, Lansing Regional Chamber, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Advisory Board for Redevelopment Ready Communities, Prima Civitas Foundation, and the Capitol Collective.

Additionally, Smith has served as an adjunct lecturer at both Baker College and Michigan State University, teaching classes in entrepreneurship at both institutions. He is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, earning both a bachelors in telecommunications and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning.