USU Announces Retirement of Provost & Executive Vice President Laurens 'Larry' H. Smith

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University has announced the retirement of Laurens “Larry” H. Smith, provost and executive vice president, concluding more than two decades of dedicated service to the university and a distinguished career in academic leadership, research and higher education administration.

Smith has served as provost and executive vice president since 2022 and has been a member of USU’s leadership team since 2003. Over the course of his tenure, he has served in numerous senior leadership roles, including:

• Vice president of Statewide Campuses.
• Executive senior vice provost.
• Vice provost.
• Interim dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
• Interim vice president for research.

Throughout his service in the Office of the Provost, Smith provided leadership in faculty policy, curriculum and academic programs, academic leadership development, and university-wide academic strategy.

USU President Brad L. Mortensen said that Smith was a pillar of the university in more than two decades of numerous leadership roles, always putting the institution and its people first.

“His thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment to our statewide mission have strengthened Utah State in countless ways,” Mortensen said. “I am grateful for his many contributions and wish him and his family all the best in retirement.”

Alan L. Smith, Emma Eccles Jones Endowed Dean and professor of kinesiology and health science, described the outgoing provost as “a true servant leader” who has been laser-focused on fully realizing the USU mission.

“His steady and thoughtful leadership has benefited students, staff, faculty and communities throughout the state,” he said.

Paul J. Barr, executive vice provost and professor, said Smith has a steady commitment to people-centered decision-making.

“He listened first, followed through on what he believed was right, and empowered others to lead,” Barr said. “That approach has helped me prioritize supporting our USU family and creating meaningful opportunities for our students.”

Pamela A. Dupin-Bryant, interim vice president and vice provost for Statewide Campuses, described Smith as a champion of educational access, an unwavering mentor and a visionary leader.

“Through his leadership, barriers were removed, doors were opened and quality education became more accessible to students across Utah, regardless of where they live,” Dupin-Bryant said. “Thousands of students and communities have been positively impacted by his commitment to expanding opportunity and his belief in the transformative power of higher education.”

A first-generation college student from a working-class community in southern New England, Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology from Eastern Connecticut State College, followed by a Master of Arts in physiology from the University of Kansas and a doctorate in physiology from the University of Maryland. He completed postdoctoral research at biomedical research institutions on the East Coast.

Smith began his academic career as a faculty member in the Biology Department at Idaho State University in 1989, where he also served as the founding director of the Molecular Research Core Facility. His research focused on molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression in pathogenic microorganisms.

In recognition of his commitment to leadership development, Smith completed executive leadership training at Harvard University. He is a recipient of a 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award from Eastern Connecticut State College.

Smith and his spouse, Carol von Dohlen, have two children. Outside of his professional career, he enjoys golf, fly fishing and amateur winemaking, maintaining a small vineyard of wine grapes.

Colleagues, friends and members of the USU community are invited to celebrate Smith's legacy by sharing memories, stories and messages online.