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Cara Smelter

Cara Smelter serves as the Chief of Staff at the National Humanities Center, bringing both deep academic expertise and vibrant creative experience to her role.

Prior to joining the Center, Cara spent over a decade in a variety of administrative roles at North Carolina State University (NCSU), including with the University Libraries and with the Interdisciplinary Studies and International Programs in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She earned her BA and MA in American history from NCSU, where her graduate study focused on African American history. Cara also holds an MA in clinical mental health counseling from North Carolina Central University and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A).

In addition to her work in academia, Smelter is an accomplished professional artist and self-taught printmaker. Her text-driven linocuts blend her love of language and storytelling to explore profound themes, including living with a disabled body, grief, and childhood trauma. Her work has been featured in a number of solo and group exhibitions.

Beyond her professional and artistic endeavors, Smelter is dedicated to non-profit service, as a volunteer for various animal welfare organizations and as a board member for Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge and Artsplosure.