Park University Names Smeed as Interim President
Shane B. Smeed, the newly appointed 19th president of Utah Tech University, began his interim tenure at Park University in January 2021. Smeed had previously served as the acting president for six weeks prior to his interim appointment.
Before his time at Park University, Smeed held the role of vice president and chief operating officer, overseeing more than half of the University's operational areas. He has over 20 years of progressive experience in higher education.
Smeed's educational background is impressive, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business operations from DeVry Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts degree in student personnel administration from St. Louis University. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education administration from the same institution. Smeed also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Smeed's commitment to higher education extends beyond his professional roles. He has served on the board of directors of Synergy Services in Parkville and the board of trustees for the Command and General Staff College Foundation at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Parkville, Mo. for three years (2016-19).
Smeed's philosophy for leadership is inspired by Park University's motto, Fides et Labor (Latin for faith and work). He believes that this motto can inspire students, faculty, and staff to achieve all their goals. Smeed is committed to leading a University that celebrates diversity, serves a growing student body, and earns recognition from its faculty and staff as an employer of choice.
Under Smeed's leadership, he provides strategic and tactical leadership to more than half of the University's staff in the areas of enrollment management, student success, financial aid services, marketing, student engagement, athletics, and campus center operations. His goal is to ensure the University continues to thrive and grow, providing a quality education to its students.
[1] Park University News, "Park University Graduate Commencement to be Held May 10," 18 March 2021, https://news.park.edu/park-university-graduate-commencement-to-be-held-may-10/
[2] Utah Tech University, "Utah Tech University Announces Shane B. Smeed as 19th President," 15 January 2025, https://www.utahtech.edu/about/news/utah-tech-university-announces-shane-b-smeed-as-19th-president
[3] The Salt Lake Tribune, "Shane B. Smeed Named President of Utah Tech University," 15 January 2025, https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/01/15/shane-b-smeed-named/
Smeed's academic and professional journey, focusing on higher education and self-development, has been extensively covered in general news, with Park University News reporting on his commencement speech in March 2021 and Utah Tech University announcing his presidency in January 2025. Meanwhile, The Salt Lake Tribune also shared news of his appointment as the 19th president of Utah Tech University in January 2025.
