Michael E. Smith

Alumni Staff Award:

Criteria: Need not be a graduate of the College, but shall be employed by the College and have made a unique contribution to the College (development of a new program, wide community recognition of quality of service to the community or campus).

In 1995, Michael joined the College's administrative team, following his service to the state in positions held in the Office of Higher Education, the Office of the Governor and R.I. Department of Education. Michael has served the President and the College in a variety of important capacities and on numerous committees. The recent publication of the commemorative calendar highlighting the architecture of the campus is just one of the many College projects that have benefited from his love of history. Michael has essentially become the College's official historian. Through his efforts the College has a tangible chronological history, traceable to its roots even prior to 1854. Designated by the President as chair of the Honorary Degree Committee, Michael has worked with faculty and staff to identify over 60 individuals who, because of their honorary degree status, are now counted among the College's alumni. Regardless of how busy Michael is, he can always be counted on to offer a calm and pragmatic voice - and for an expertise that has enriched the College's life and history.