Dr. Claibourne Smith Honored with Resolution and Reception

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The DSU Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution that commended Dr. Claibourne Smith for his 16-month service as the University’s acting president.

The board approved the resolution during its Jan. 14 regular meeting, in which they also unanimously returned Dr. Smith to his previous post of board chairman. Dr. Smith stepped down from the board in September 2008 to assume the responsibilities of acting president. He returned to the board on Jan. 10, the date in which Dr. Harry L. Williams officially become the DSU president. Following that board meeting, a reception was held in honor of Dr. Smith in the new Martin Luther King Student Center. Many faculty, staff and students were in attendance and testimonials were given in praise of Dr. Smith's service and dedication as acting president.

The resolution approved by the board read as follows:

Delaware State University Board of Trustees

Resolution in appreciation of Dr. Claibourne Smith, acting President

January 14, 2010

Whereas, Dr. Claibourne Smith became the second person to serve as the acting president in the 119-year history of Delaware State University; and

Whereas, Dr. Smith accepted the responsibility from the Board of Trustees as acting president, fully committing to keep the University focused and stabilized during a trying state and national economic downturn; and

Whereas, Dr. Smith led a delegation to China to expand DSU’s partnerships, provided strong leadership to address H1N1 concerns on campus, and convened a multi-level task force to implement Go Green measures on campus for the short and long term; and

Whereas, Dr. Smith made it a priority to interact with students, faculty and staff to better familiarize himself with how DSU operates, using that information to strengthen the University as well as to inform the Board on key issues through its retreat; and

Whereas, Dr. Smith’s oversight ensured that two major construction project stayed on track, resulting in the completion of a new Wellness & Recreation Center, a swimming facility and a new MLK Student Center; and

Whereas, Dr. Smith capably provided strong and stable executive leadership as acting president, which enabled DSU to methodically conduct its presidential search process resulting in a permanent president; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Board of Trustees recognizes Dr. Smith for his exemplary efforts and accomplishments for 16 months as DSU’s acting president.

In Witness Whereof, the undersigned has executed this resolution as of the date above.

Dr. John Land

Acting Board of Trustees Chair