Langston University took to Twitter Thursday night with an announcement that will be game-changing for Ohio University.
Kent Smith, OU’s vice president for Student Affairs, has been named the 16th president of Langston University, a historically black university in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Last night, Smith accepted a three-year contract worth $220,000 a year to become the college’s next leader.
“I’m excited,” Smith said. “This is a dream come true for me. It’s something I’ve worked for my entire career.”
Smith will leave OU at some point during Spring Quarter and will begin working at Langston July 1.
A two-time graduate from Southern University, a historically black university in Baton Rouge, La., Smith said he’s always wanted to lead a black school.
“It’s always been my dream to be a president of a historically black college or university,” Smith said.
As vice president for Student Affairs, Smith has overseen the Campus Involvement Center, Campus Recreation, Career Services, Community Standards, Counseling and Psychological Services, Event Services, the dean of students and Residential Housing offices. He makes $205,842.
Hired in 2006, Smith is the longest-standing vice president at OU. His leaving will mean a complete turnover for OU’s vice presidents in the past three years.
“The powerful legacy (Smith) leaves at Ohio extends to our students, faculty, staff, and the greater Athens community,” OU President Roderick McDavis said in a statement. “We are very proud that Langston University has recognized his talents and chosen him to lead their institution.”
Smith will meet with McDavis Monday to discuss the best way to search for and name his successor.
“I’m delighted for Dr. Smith; I couldn’t be more happy for him and his family,” said OU Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi, who currently reports to and works closely with Smith. “He’s exceptionally deserving of this.”
Smith’s absence will leave a void in Student Affairs, Lombardi said.
“But I feel very confident in our team’s ability to keep moving forward,” he said.
Smith was one of four finalists for the presidency. The others were Myron Pope, vice president of enrollment management at the University of Central Oklahoma; Phillip Birdine, president of Western Oklahoma State College; and Charles Williams, vice president for academic affairs at University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Smith was informed of his status as a finalist late in 2011 and was interviewed at Langston this week.
Langston had 2,326 undergraduate students and 407 graduate students during the fall of 2010. The university’s former president, JoAnn Haysbert, left the school last year after six years as president. Henry Ponder is serving as interim president.
“The faculty, staff and students really love Langston University,” Smith said. “It’s really a lot like Ohio University in that way.”
— Brian Vadakin and Wesley Lowery contributed to this article.
rm279109@ohiou.edu
