Smith named Texas State vice president for student affairs

Date of release: 10/03/05

SAN MARCOS—Joanne H. Smith has been named vice president for student affairs at Texas State University-San Marcos.

Smith's appointment was announced Monday, Oct. 3, by Texas State President Denise M. Trauth, who called Smith the "ideal candidate" for the job.

Smith has been serving as interim vice president for student affairs since January while a search was being conducted for a candidate to fill the position permanently. Trauth's announcement puts an end to that national search.

"Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Smith on many issues and to watch her in action," said Trauth. "Throughout this period, I have been incredibly impressed with Dr. Smith's ability. I have full confidence in the leadership she provides, and I have come to the conclusion that I cannot imagine that a stronger candidate will emerge through the search process."


Trauth said the appointment had been approved by Texas State University System Chancellor Charles Matthews and that it would be submitted for approval of the TSUS Board of Regents in November.

Smith was hired at Texas State in 1992 as director of residence life. In 2003, she was named assistant vice president for student affairs and director of multicultural student affairs. She was promoted to associate vice president for student affairs and director of enrollment management in 2000 before being appointed to the vice presidency on an interim basis.

Before coming to Texas State, she served as assistant director for operations in residence life at Arizona State University.

Smith holds a bachelor's degree in education and mathematics from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree in student personnel and guidance from Wichita State University and a doctorate in student personnel administration from Kansas State University.

As vice president for student affairs at Texas State, Smith will be responsible for leadership, direction and planning of a comprehensive Student Affairs Division on a campus of 27,170 students. Offices which comprise the division include the Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, Campus Activities and Student Organizations, Campus Recreation, Career Services, the Counseling Center, Dean of Students, Disability Services, Greek Affairs, the Health Center, Multicultural Student Affairs, Parking and Police Department, Residence Life, Student Center, Student Justice, Students' Legal Advisor, Student Support Services, Talent Search, Upward Bound and Volunteer Programs. The division has more than 360 employees and a budget of more than $40 million.

As vice president for student affairs, Smith will serve n various university councils and committees as well as the President's Cabinet, providing input on university matters and direction.