LSU CS Alumna Presented With Bengal Impact Award
April 01, 2025
Alaina Metz Smith and Abe Baggili
The LSU Division of Computer Science & Engineering recently presented Alaina Metz Smith with the 2025 Hall of Distinction Bengal Impact Award in recognition of her outstanding service, professional guidance, and unwavering commitment to supporting LSU and its students.
Smith, who is an LSU CS alumna and retired information technology leader for Chevron, also spoke to LSU students as part of CSE’s Alumni Talk Series hosted by the LSU Computer Science Council. Smith’s talk, titled “From Campus to Corner Office: Career Lessons From An LSU Tiger,” reflected on her career and highlighted key strategies for professional success, including effective team collaboration, building strong relationships through networking and mentoring, embracing new challenges with a mindset of lifelong learning, maintaining self-care for sustainable achievement, and giving back to support future generations.
“This session aimed to inspire and empower the next wave of computer science students to navigate their own career paths with confidence and resilience,” LSU Division of Computer Science Chair Abe Baggili said.
Smith has more than 35 years of leadership experience in IT and organizational transformation. She holds a BS in CS and a Master of Business Administration from LSU, where she was a graduate assistant and tutor. Smith spent 18 years at Chevron, leading a global team of more than 250 employees and overseeing largescale IT project delivery in petrochemical and corporate functions.
Prior to her career at Chevron, Smith worked as a consultant with Computer Science Corporation for eight years where she specialized in complex IT solutions. She also gained valuable experience in IT infrastructure and system support during her decade at Enron Corp.
Smith currently serves on the LSU Foundation National Board and the Division of Computer Science & Engineering Board, using her expertise to advance education and technology.
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