Samuel H. Smith

Dr. Samuel H. Smith (born February 4, 1940) was the eighth president of Washington State University, serving for fifteen years (July 1, 1985 – June 8, 2000). Early life and education A native of Salinas, California, he holds bachelor's and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from the University of California, Berkeley. He holds four honorary doctoral degrees from Nihon University in Tokyo, Japan, Far Eastern State University in Vladivostok, Russia, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, and City University in Seattle. He completed a NATO postdoctoral fellowship with Glasshouse Crops Research Institute in England from 1964-1965 before returning to Berkeley as a faculty member. Smith then spent 16 years with Pennsylvania State University, starting as a faculty member, then becoming department head, and finally, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of the Cooperative Extension Service and Agricultural Experiment Station. Legacy at WSU He is remembered for establishing WSU's three regional campuses — WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities and WSU Vancouver — as well as fostering development of the university's Extended Degree Programs (now known as Global Campus). Under his leadership, WSU grew in size and stature. Its teaching, research, and public service activities received worldwide recognition. Strengthening undergraduate and graduate education, placing an international imprint on programs, and increasing opportunities for women and minorities were among his priorities.