Richmond bids farewell to President Norman Smith

01/07/2007

Richmond bids farewell to President Norman Smith

Dr. Norman Smith has announced that he and his family have decided to return to the USA after five years at Richmond University.

"Our daughter Caroline begins her senior high school experience this coming fall, and we have decided that she should spend those final three years in a US-based high school." Dr Smith will end his presidency on June 30th and will be succeeded, on an interim basis, by Richmond Provost Dr Jos Hackforth Jones. "Dr Hackforth Jones has been a wonderful colleague and is very able. I am delighted the Board has handed the baton over to her, if only for an interim period," said Smith. An international search for a new President is underway. For details please see: Search

Over the past five years of the Smith presidency, Richmond has taken major steps toward higher academic standards including more selective admissions standards. All instructional resources have been upgraded including the installation of a totally wireless campus information technology system. Most notably, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, in their 2006 on-site evaluation, for the first time reaccredited Richmond unconditionally declaring that the University satisfactorily complies with all fourteen ‘standards of excellence.’ The Commission also offered commendations for faculty excellence and for exceptional managerial leadership.

"While we look forward to going home, our five years at Richmond will forever be a happy memory for us because of the wonderful university community of faculty, staff and students from over 100 countries," said President Smith.

The entire Richmond community wishes Dr. Smith and his family all the best in their future endeavors.

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/274.aspx