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This story is part of the Pathways to Placement series, which highlights UNT faculty and staff’s hard work to prepare students in the creative arts for professional success.

College of Visual Arts and Design Career Coach Delaney Smith-Vaughn knows exactly what it’s like to be a UNT art student because she was one: she earned a master’s degree in studio art and fibers in 2013.

“Being out in the field for over 10 years, I know what I didn’t learn in school,” Smith-Vaughn said. “I can cover some territory that is really needed when you graduate.”

She was a teaching assistant and fellow during her time at UNT. After graduating, Smith-Vaughn was an artist-in-residence at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, an adjunct professor and a graphic designer.

This diverse background makes Smith-Vaughn highly prepared for career coaching artists. She can delve deeper than resume structure or interview tips.

“I have this history in the Dallas-Fort Worth area showing in galleries and knowing artist collectives,” Smith-Vaughn said. “If a student has a question, either I know the answer or I can find someone who does.”

Smith-Vaughn is directly embedded in the college, with an office in the Art Building. This integration makes her work “more effective,” speaking with almost 600 students in the fall 2025 semester alone. She also partners directly with faculty, who bring her into their classrooms.

“Not only am I in the Art Building, but I’m also watching artist talks, meeting artists, talking to students about artists, finding new artists with them and giving them guidance,” Smith-Vaughn said.

She organizes multiple career fairs throughout the year, including the Fashion Career Expo and Creative Futures, which invites museums and creative agencies. Students have been hired on the spot at previous events.

“It’s really important to have hyper-specific career fairs because at the all-major career fairs, maybe one employer will apply to CVAD,” Smith-Vaughn said. “This is a way for students to talk to people in the industry and see what they can transition into.”

When Smith-Vaughn was a student, no one talked to her about internships. Now, she thinks every student should complete one.

“You get that hands-on experience, you get transferable skills, you make connections and you are building that bridge to what you’re doing after school,” Smith-Vaughn said.

Smith-Vaughn’s work supporting artists goes beyond her role at UNT. In 2025, she co-founded the nonprofit organization Paper Chair Studios, which supports artists — including students and recent graduates — with resources and guidance.

“Not only is it my community, it’s also my future community, too,” Smith-Vaughn said. “It’s really important to me.”