Leaving VP position vacant, staying at UI
The University of Idaho announced Wednesday that Vice President for Finance and Administration Ron Smith will step down from his position at the end of June.
Smith said he does not intend to leave UI, but plans to teach in the accounting department for the next academic year.
Ron Smith
“I’m 65, and I may not have as much time to teach after this,” Smith said. “I think I could rekindle a passion. I would like to work with students, and I don’t get to (do) that in my current job.”
Smith said UI President Chuck Staben is in the process of establishing a search committee to find a replacement. He said the university would likely hire a “seasoned professional,” which would not require Smith to assist with training.
“If he or she would need training, I would be on the other side of the parking lot,” he said.
The Montana native has been in the position since 2011, and previously served as vice president for finance and business affairs Seattle University. Early in his career, Smith worked for eight years at UI in a number of positions in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Contributing: Ryan Tarinelli
George Wood Jr. can be reached at [email protected]