Going into his 17th year with UNLV, Fred Smith has served as the Facilities Supervisor for the past 14 years with the Athletics Department. He oversees construction and remodel projects and day-to-day maintenance for the Lied Athletic Complex, Marnell Baseball Clubhouse, Ernie Wilson Baseball Facility, Peter Johann Memorial Soccer Complex, Fertitta Tennis Complex, Eller Media Softball Facility and parts of the McDermott Physical Education Building.
Prior to joining the Athletics Staff, Smith was a Grounds Supervisor with UNLV Campus Facilities and Grounds. He was responsible for the oversight of work crews for the UNLV Campus Grounds and supervised a staff of 32. Smith started his facilities experience in 1986, while still in high school when his uncle brought him into the construction business. In his more than 20 years in construction he literally worked from the ground up. He learned the excavation side of the construction business; framing and concrete pours, leveling and stamping.
Smith was recruited to play football at UNLV but opted to attend school out of state. After returning from junior college at Antelope Valley, Smith returned to the construction industry. He gained additional experience in labor supervision, heavy equipment operations and water truck operation. He obtained his HazMat Certification and obtained training in building plans checks.
Smith spent 5 years with Republic Services, then called Silver State Deposal, as a flatbed driver until he was promoted to the Recycling Truck Driver/Operator. He again returned to the construction industry.
A lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Smith graduated from Rancho High School where he met his wife Susie. He and Susie have been married 25 years, and he has a daughter, Ebony, 30, from a previous marriage.
