YSU Names Indiana State Business Dean New Provost
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University has named Brien Smith, who previously served as the dean of the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University, as its new provost.
Smith, who was chosen from more than 60 applicants, will oversee the university’s academic operations, including its six colleges, graduate school, honors college, the Office of International Programs and the Office of Assessment.
His appointment will be officially approved at the Board of Trustees’ meeting June 6.
“Dr. Smith not only has the demonstrated academic and administrative credentials to successfully lead our academic division, he also brings with him a committed background, understanding and appreciation of the crucial role that regional universities can play in their communities and states,” said YSU President Jim Tressel in a release. “We are thrilled to have him join our leadership team and look forward to working together to shape the future of YSU and the entire Mahoning Valley.”
During his seven years as dean of Indiana State’s business college, undergraduate enrollment there increased 18%, freshman enrollment 38% and graduate enrollment 54%. He also helped raise $14.5 million in gifts and $9.5 million in external grants for the college. Under his watch, the Scott College created a new center for student success programs, expanded its online offerings and increased the number of women in high-ranking positions by 30%.
“We are impressed with Dr. Smith’s accomplishments at Indiana State and look forward to him coming to Youngstown and providing the leadership needed to ensure the continued success of our students and to stimulate increased academic excellence across the campus,” said Dave Deibel, vice chairman of the YSU Board of Trustees.
Prior to his time in Terre Haute, Ind., Smith was at Ball State University for 23 years, serving as assistant chairman of the department of management, assistant dean for graduate programs, chairman of the department of marketing and management and associate dean of the Miller College of Business.
On the academic side, Smith has published 25 articles in journals and presented at more than a dozen conferences nationwide. He was the recipient of the 2017 MidAmerican Business Deans Association Innovation Award, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s recognition for outstanding service and the Indiana Small Business Development Center’s Network Partner of the Year. He was also president of the Terre Haute Rotary Club and on the board of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.
Smith replaces Joe Mosca, who was YSU provost since June 2018.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
