John W. Smithson is an American college administrator who has served as the interim President of Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 18, 2011, until June 30, 2012.
[3] He received his bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1968[2] and his MBA from Saint Joseph's University.
[3] In February 2010, Saint Joseph's University named Smithson as its senior vice president.
Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., announced his departure at the end of the 2010–2011 academic year to become President of Creighton University.
[4] However, O'Keefe withdrew from the nomination several months before taking office citing health concerns, including "serious cardiovascular issues.