Getting the Global Experience at HPU

Scott Nolan Smith always had a passion for politics, international affairs, and global studies. Born in Germany, raised in Naples, Italy, and later attending middle and high school in the Seattle area, Smith spent a significant part of his formative years obtaining firsthand experience in a global setting.

“Choosing HPU and majoring in political science was a natural fit for me,” said Smith. “I chose HPU because of the small class sizes and the ability to study the Asia-Pacific region while living in the Pacific.” 

Smith met his future wife, HPU alumna Alicia Kubert while studying at HPU, both living at the scenic Hawaii Loa campus. “Our first date was at a restaurant at Aloha Tower Marketplace,” recalled Smith. “It’s incredible to know that the space is now the anchor of HPU’s downtown campus.”

Shortly after graduation in 2007, Kubert and Smith married. In August 2021, they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary.

Studying at HPU encouraged Smith to approach the world through a different lens. The strong academic foundation prepared him to earn a Master of Arts in Diplomacy from Norwich University.

“The professors at HPU left amazing impressions, in particular, Professor Vincent Tsushima and Professor Ken Schooland,” said Smith. “I also had the opportunity to learn from visiting professors from universities all over the world and participate in seminars led by diplomats in residence. It was a unique environment that prepared me well for the future.”

While studying at HPU, Smith served in student government. Then, it was called the Associated Students of Hawai‘i  Pacific University (ASHPU). Now, it’s called the Student Government Association. After two years of service on ASHPU, Smith became vice president during his senior year. The experience contributed to a future career in public affairs.

Smith recently began a new job as Director, International Affairs at Global Gateway Advisors, an independent communications consultancy based in New York City. He is also a co-founder and board member of the Digital Diplomacy Coalition, a global community focused on the use of technology to advance international engagement and social good. 

“I’m a consultant working in communications and public affairs,” explained Smith. “I help organizations better engage audiences, tell their stories, and advance their goals. A lot of my work focuses on supporting UN agencies, NGOs, foreign governments, global foundations, and multinational brands. I’ve been privileged to work with amazing organizations on multiple continents, and HPU was a key point along my journey.”

Smith also serves as a director on the HPU Alumni Council. The Council’s mission is to keep HPU alumni around the world informed and engaged so they can collectively support the next generation of Sharks.  

“The connections that I made in Hawai‘i  have held strong to this day,” said Smith. “The intimate nature of HPU and the close community gave me lifelong friends from across the globe. All of these experiences have helped make me who I am today.”

To learn more about HPU’s Alumni Council click here.