Ronald Smith Tapped as University of Idaho’s New VP for Finance and Administration
Friday, June 3 2011
MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho has appointed Ronald E. Smith as its new vice president for finance and administration. Smith is currently vice president for finance and business affairs at Seattle University, a private institution. He takes up the Idaho post on July 1.
“Ron Smith’s has distinguished himself as an exceptional steward of institutional assets in both the private and public sectors,” said University of Idaho President M. Duane Nellis. “He has a strategic and forward-looking vision, and understands our goal as a 21st century land-grant university to become a more entrepreneurial institution. Ron will provide expert leadership in finance and administration to support the university’s strategic plan.”
Smith is returning to his roots with this appointment. Prior to his tenure in Seattle, Wash., he served as vice president for administrative services for Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. He also served in several capacities at the University of Idaho for eight years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including director of business and accounting services, associate controller, manager of grants and contracts, and associate internal auditor. He also was a senior performance auditor in the legislative auditor’s office for the state of Montana. From the mid-'90s to early 2000s, he served as vice president for finance at Berea College in Kentucky, and as assistant vice president and controller for the University of Arizona.
“Ron Smith’s diverse background will serve the University of Idaho well,” said Keith Ickes, executive director of planning and budget and chair of the search committee. “He clearly demonstrated his ability to lead the University of Idaho’s extensive finance and administration portfolio with integrity, expertise and stewardship.”
A native of Bozeman, Mont., Smith earned a bachelor of science degree in commerce and accounting from Montana State University; master’s degree in business administration from the University of Montana; and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Idaho.
“My wife, Sue, and I are excited to be moving back home to Idaho; she’s also an Idaho alumna,” said Smith. “The University of Idaho has such a unique role as the state’s land-grant institution. I look forward to contributing to its great tradition, excellence and future.”
Active in many aspects of business development and finance, he has written articles and given presentations nationally on a range of topics including forming effective partnerships and reengineering the workplace in higher education. Smith also has taught university-level courses on higher education finance and accounting principles. He is active in the Western Association of College and University Business Officers, as well as the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Smith succeeds Lloyd Mues who is retiring from the University of Idaho to pursue other interests.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s land-grant institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year. The University of Idaho is classified by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation as high research activity. The student population of 12,000 includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars, who select from more than 130 degree options in the colleges of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Art and Architecture; Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Law; Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; Natural Resources; and Science. The university also is charged with the statewide mission for medical education through the WWAMI program. The university combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities and focuses on helping students to succeed and become leaders. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. For more information, visit www.uidaho.edu.