Remembering Former DU Chancellor Dwight Smith
As the University’s 15th chancellor, Smith was a passionate scholar whose leadership and presence shaped our community in countless ways.
The 91Ƶ has lost one of its most tireless champions with the passing of our former chancellor, Dwight Smith, at age 94.
Smith, who served as DU's 15th chancellor, 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, he reorganized the institution's structure and changed the direction of many programs, departments, and schools—efforts that stabilized DU at a critical time. He was also crucial in elevating the academic profile of the institution by creating the provost position.
“The 91Ƶ's rich history is populated by scores of resilient people with a strong vision. As a chancellor and professor, Dwight Smith embodied that resilience and vision,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “Frankly, we wouldn't be here today had he not made critical decisions and stuck with them.”
Before his appointment as chancellor, Smith served as vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. Prior to that, he was a chemistry professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry. As a scholar, Smith's 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.
Smith was also a member of the advisory board for the Solar Energy Research Institute (now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory) and, from 2001-2007, he served as a senior advisor to the Rocky Mountain Center for Homeland Defense. After leaving the chancellor's post at DU, Smith became president of Hawaii Loa College. He returned to the DU chemistry faculty in 1992, continuing to inspire students and colleagues with his dedication and expertise.
“Through his work both inside and outside the 91Ƶ, Smith exemplified a lifelong commitment to education, scientific advancement, and public service,” Haefner says. “His ongoing influence and devotion to the DU community leaves a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.”
A viewing for Dwight Smith will be held on Dec. 8 from 2:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Josephine Evans Memorial Chapel, in conjunction with visiting and refreshments in the Joy Burns Center Atrium.