Jim Smart Award recipient Savita Nair lauded for balance, compassion, sacrifice

Savita Nair, who retired in May after 21 years on the Furman University faculty, received the Jim Smart Award at an April ceremony.

The award, named for James H. Smart, who taught history at Furman from 1967-1995, pays tribute to faculty and staff who help students add depth and meaning to the life decisions they make while in college.

Nair, the former Gordon Poteat Professor of Asian Studies and History who is now an emeritus professor, is the 11^th recipient of the award from the Cothran Center, whose mission is to encourage exploration of purpose and calling among members of the Furman community.

From left: Liz Smith and John Harris present the 2024 Jim Smart Award to Savita Nair (right).

At the ceremony, Cothran Center faculty director John Harris, professor of mathematics, and Liz Smith, assistant faculty director and professor of politics and international affairs, shared comments from alumni in support of Nair’s nomination. The remarks, below, have been edited for length and clarity.

Ansley Quiros ’08, wrote, “There are many things I could say about Dr. Nair – her brilliance in the classroom, her fierce advocacy for students, her openness in mentorship. She modeled asking big questions about the world and wading into the answers fearlessly. She modeled critical reading of texts and consideration of historical perspective. She did it all with good humor and grace.

“One attribute that now strikes me as even more remarkable is the way Dr. Nair has balanced herself and her work, protecting each but also allowing for some natural overlap. Her even approach toward work and life showed what a full life might look like,” added Quiros, chair and associate professor in the history department at the University of North Alabama.

Adrienne Robertson ’08 wrote, “Throughout my undergraduate journey, Dr. Nair consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to helping me discover my passion and navigate my undergraduate journey with clarity and purpose. Her dedication to fostering explorational learning went far beyond the confines of academic advising; she took the time to get to know each student individually, understanding their unique strengths, interests and aspirations.

“One of her most remarkable qualities is her ability to facilitate meaningful conversations that prompt introspection and self-discovery. Her guidance was instrumental in helping me uncover not just what I wanted to pursue and who I wanted to be, but it also helped me filter out things I needed to say no to,” said Robertson, a senior prospect research analyst in the development office at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Derek Snook ’08 wrote about his experience in Nair’s Gender Issues in South Asia class. Initially skeptical of the course’s value, the class, he said, ultimately changed his life and set him on a path of entrepreneurship in the tech industry.

“It gave me a place to safely explore the convoluted space of religion and empire in the context of imperialism in South Asia, something that was deeply needed for the son of a Baptist minister growing up in the South and questioning my own values and beliefs.

“Savita pushed me to believe that I was capable of more than I thought possible. At the same time, she gave me confidence and support and reminded me that doing my best was enough. Some of my favorite memories at Furman were just stopping by her office to talk about the bigger questions of life. She also helped me see that one of the great gifts of Furman is that the professors there genuinely care and want to invest.

“It’s uncommon for someone to choose a vocation based on primary reasons like calling, love, passion and sacrifice. A multiplying of fruit occurs, because that person pours that calling, love, passion and sacrifice to the next person. Savita clearly exemplifies that ideal. And anyone whose life I benefit in my vocational journey will largely be because of hers.”

While on faculty, Nair received the Gordon Poteat Chair in Asian Studies and History (2022-present), the Dr. Cherie Maiden Invitational Award (2023), the James B. Duke Endowed Chair in Asian Studies (2014-2017), the Alester G. Jr. and Janie Earle Furman Meritorious Teaching Award (2014) and the Alester G. Jr. and Janie Earle Furman Meritorious Advising Award (2009).