DSU Board Returns Dr. Claibourne Smith as Board Chair

Friday, January 15, 2010

The DSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to restore Dr. Claibourne D. Smith to his former office as chairman of the board, which had been previously interrupted by his service as acting president of the University.

Dr. Claibourne Smith is in his 23rd year as a Board of Trustees member and in his 16th year as board chairman.

The action -- which took place at the board's Jan. 14 regular meeting -- also returned Dr. John Land to his former role as vice chairman of the board. Dr. Land served as the acting board chair during the 16-month absence of Dr. Smith.

The acting president tenure of Dr. Smith ended on Jan. 9, as Dr. Harry Lee Williams took over the following day as the 10th president of the institution's history.

The Board unanimously selected Dr. Smith to serve as the acting DSU president in September 2008 after the resignation of Dr. Allen L. Sessoms, who left the University to become president of University of the District of Columbia. In addition to selecting Dr. Land at that time to serve as acting chair, the board later selected board member David G. Turner to serve as acting vice chair.

Prior to becoming acting president, Dr. Smith served 15 consecutive years as board chairman (1992-2008). His resumption of that office now moves him into his 16th year as chairman.

Following the vote that returned Dr. Smith to his chair post, the board also unanimously approved a resolution that commended Dr. Smith for his service and performance as acting president.