"Dr. Smith is a superb administrator and educator," Bailey said. "The position of provost is vital to Texas Tech's future success. I know that Bob will provide the leadership the university needs as it moves forward with and improves upon its already stellar teaching, research and service endeavors."
The provost is the chief academic officer of the university overseeing all educational components and activities, including research and academic personnel. Smith's selection comes after a three-month nationwide search.
"I feel deeply honored to have been chosen to serve Texas Tech University as senior vice president and provost," said Smith. "Texas Tech has great potential to meet Chancellor Kent Hance's and President Bailey's goals for future development, especially in the areas of enrollment and research productivity to better serve Texas, our nation and global communities. I am excited by the prospect of joining President Bailey's team. In so doing, I pledge my best efforts to assist the Texas Tech community in meeting the teaching, research, and outreach mission and goals of this great public research university."
Smith joined the University of Arkansas in 2000. Previously he had served as vice provost for research and graduate education and dean of the Graduate School at the University of Connecticut and vice president for research and dean of the graduate school at Washington State University. Smith also was on faculty at the University of Texas and the University of Iowa. He is a widely published scholar in the field of pharmacology. He earned his bachelor's degree from St. John's University, Jamaica, N.Y., and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan.
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