Dr. Samuel H. Smith (born February 4, 1940) was the eighth president of Washington State University, serving for fifteen years (July 1, 1985 – June 8, 2000).
He completed a NATO postdoctoral fellowship with Glasshouse Crops Research Institute in England from 1964-1965 before returning to Berkeley as a faculty member.
The campaign transformed the university’s ability to serve students and the state of Washington by supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment and retention, learning technology and statewide education.
From 1997–99, he served as chair of the executive committee of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, one of a series of leadership positions he held during a major reorganization of NCAA governance.
Smith continued to serve the educational community of Washington through several positions in addition to his work as president emeritus on behalf of WSU.