Samuel H. Smith

Who is Samuel H. Smith?

Samuel H. Smith was the eighth president of Washington State University, serving for fifteen years.

A native of Salinas, California, he holds bachelor's and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from the University of California, Berkeley and honorary doctoral degrees from Nihon University in Tokyo, Japan, and Far Eastern State University in Vladivostok, Russia.

He is remembered for leadership in establishing WSU's three regional campuses — WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities and WSU Vancouver — as well as fostering development of the university's Distance Degree Programs.

Under Smith’s leadership, WSU grew in size and stature. Its teaching, research, and public service activities received worldwide recognition. Strengthening undergraduate and graduate education, placing an international imprint on programs, and increasing opportunities for women and minorities were among his priorities.

Smith led Campaign WSU, the University's first comprehensive fund-raising effort that attracted $275.4 million in private support, substantially over its $250 million goal.