Mark J.T. Smith was named the next dean of the Graduate School at the University of Texas at Austin. The Graduate School has four programs ranked first in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and 40 graduate programs ranked in the top 10 nationwide.
When he takes office on August 1, Dr. Smith will also serve as senior vice provost for academic affairs at the university. He currently serves as dean of the Graduate School at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He has held that post since 2009.
In accepting his new position, Dean Smith noted that “few universities have the reach and impact of the University of Texas at Austin. I have always admired the university and the success of the Graduate School, and I am excited to join this team at such an exciting time. My focus will be helping students succeed and creating opportunities for them to pursue their dreams. This is an amazing community, and I look forward to the road ahead.”
Dr. Smith is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dean Smith was a member of the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic team in the sport of fencing.
Dr. Mark Smith is indeed an accomplished administrator, facilitator and academic role model. In addition, he is compassionate, generous, steadfast, and the list could go on and on. I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Smith as a board member at our home church, and I must admit that I have been a better person for having known him. I wish he and his family the best during this transition. The University of Texas is now a most fortunate place and Purdue has lost someone special.