[Vision2020] Ronald Smith Tapped as UI’s VP for Finance and Administration

[Kenneth Marcy]

MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho has appointed Ronald E. Smith as its 
new vice president for finance and administration. Smith is currently vice 
president for finance and business affairs at Seattle University, a private 
institution. He takes up the Idaho post on July 1.

“Ron Smith’s has distinguished himself as an exceptional steward of 
institutional assets in both the private and public sectors,” said University 
of Idaho President M. Duane Nellis. “He has a strategic and forward-looking 
vision, and understands our goal as a 21st century land-grant university to 
become a more entrepreneurial institution. Ron will provide expert leadership 
in finance and administration to support the university’s strategic plan.”

Smith is returning to his roots with this appointment. Prior to his tenure in 
Seattle, Wash., he served as vice president for administrative services for 
Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. He also served in several capacities at 
the University of Idaho for eight years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, 
including director of business and accounting services, associate controller, 
manager of grants and contracts, and associate internal auditor. He also was a 
senior performance auditor in the legislative auditor’s office for the state of 
Montana. From the mid-'90s to early 2000s, he served as vice president for 
finance at Berea College in Kentucky, and as assistant vice president and 
controller for the University of Arizona.

“Ron Smith’s diverse background will serve the University of Idaho well,” said 
Keith Ickes, executive director of planning and budget and chair of the search 
committee. “He clearly demonstrated his ability to lead the University of 
Idaho’s extensive finance and administration portfolio with integrity, 
expertise and stewardship.”

A native of Bozeman, Mont., Smith earned a bachelor of science degree in 
commerce and accounting from Montana State University; master’s degree in 
business administration from the University of Montana; and a doctorate in 
higher education administration from the University of Idaho.

“My wife, Sue, and I are excited to be moving back home to Idaho; she’s also 
an Idaho alumna,” said Smith. “The University of Idaho has such a unique role 
as the state’s land-grant institution. I look forward to contributing to its 
great tradition, excellence and future.”

Active in many aspects of business development and finance, he has written 
articles and given presentations nationally on a range of topics including 
forming effective partnerships and reengineering the workplace in higher 
education. Smith also has taught university-level courses on higher education 
finance and accounting principles. He is active in the Western Association of 
College and University Business Officers, as well as the National Association of 
College and University Business Officers.

Smith succeeds Lloyd Mues who is retiring from the University of Idaho to 
pursue other interests. 

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