Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to inform you that Dr. Steve Smith has formally announced his intention to retire as Dean the College of Natural Resources & Sciences (effective July 1, 2016). Despite my very best efforts to convince him otherwise, Steve has assured me that his mind couldn’t be changed. Thus, I want to thank Steve for his wonderful service to HSU and provide some perspective on his professional career.

Steve is an alumnus of Humboldt State University, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife (1977) and a Master of Arts in Biology (1981). Those who know Steve are keenly aware of the indelible impact that HSU had in shaping his life and career. It was during this time at HSU that Steve became fascinated with the field of zoology and evolutionary biology, inspiring him to pursue a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Texas A&M University.

Steve would later become a Professor in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University, Kingsville, where he served as Department Chair and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. However, Steve had long wanted to return to Humboldt County, and that dream finally materialized when he returned to HSU as Associate Dean of CNRS in 2001. In 2011, Steve began his work as Dean of CNRS. Prior to becoming Dean, Steve served HSU as Interim Vice Provost for one year and Interim Dean of CNRS for three semesters.

Steve will tell you that the many successes seen in the College of Natural Resources & Sciences during his decanal tenure are due to the talented faculty and staff in the college. However, Steve’s leadership in CNRS has certainly aided those successes, as evidenced through his support of a flourishing research enterprise and support of inclusive pedagogy and active learning strategies in the sciences.

Finally, with respect to next steps - I will meet as soon as possible with the CNRS chairs/leadership team to receive input on how best to move forward to identify Steve’s successor.

Sincerely,

Alex Enyedi
Provost