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Dear ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª community,Ìý

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Chancellor Emeritus Dwight Smith, whose leadership and presence shaped our community in countless ways. With his passing, the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª has lost one of its most tireless champions. Ìý

Smith—who served as ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óªâ€™s 15th chancellor—was beloved as both a passionate scholar and a thoughtful leader. He assumed the office in 1984 at a time when the institution faced declining enrollments, staggering maintenance costs, and pressing debt. During his five-year term, Smith reorganized the institution’s structure and changed the direction of many programs, departments, and schools. His efforts stabilized ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª at a critical time. He was also crucial in elevating the academic profile of the institution by creating the provost position. Ìý

The ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óªâ€™s rich history is populated by scores of resilient people with a strong vision. As a chancellor and as a professor in the classroom and laboratory, Dwight Smith embodied that resilience and vision. Frankly, we wouldn’t be here today had he not made critical decisions and stuck with them.Ìý

Before his appointment as chancellor, Smith was vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. As a scholar, Smith’s accomplishments were often groundbreaking. His publications contributed to a better understanding of petroleum chemistry and applied spectroscopy. He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association for Aerosol Research, the American Chemical Society, and the Society for Applied Spectroscopy. Ìý

Smith was also a member of the advisory board for the Solar Energy Research Institute (now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory) and from 2001-07, he served as a senior advisor to the Rocky Mountain Center for Homeland Defense. After leaving the chancellor’s post at ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª, Smith became president of Hawaii Loa College. He returned to the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª chemistry faculty in 1992, continuing to inspire students and colleagues with his dedication and expertise.Ìý

Through his work both inside and outside the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª, Smith exemplified a lifelong commitment to education, scientific advancement, and public service. His ongoing influence and devotion to the ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª community leaves a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.Ìý

We send his family and friends our thoughts and condolences as we remember his life and legacy.Ìý

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Jeremy Haefner

Chancellor

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