Schedule of Events

President Smeed is a thought leader, community partner and university president with 27 years of experience in higher education. A native of Utah, he has championed transformative initiatives that significantly enhance student success and institutional excellence. Throughout his career, Smeed has emphasized core values such as integrity, citizenship, civility, and respect, which guide his leadership approach and decision-making.

Smeed began his tenure as president of Utah Tech University on May 1, 2025. Since joining the institution, he has committed to engaging deeply with students, faculty, staff, and community leaders. He is preparing to launch a comprehensive institutional strategic planning process that will shape the university’s future, while also emphasizing the importance of celebrating the rich history and heritage of Southern Utah. He is focused on strengthening connections between the university and the region’s growing economy and workforce needs.

Recognizing the importance of transparent communication and collaboration, Smeed emphasizes clear, consistent engagement with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to build trust and foster a strong campus community. He has also developed and led institution-wide strategic planning efforts that align academic and operational goals with long-term institutional priorities.

Smeed’s leadership has also been marked by the launch of a major comprehensive campaign to secure resources supporting academic programs, student services, athletics, and campus development. Additionally, he has championed initiatives focused on student success and retention, leading efforts to create a more connected and responsive student experience.

Smeed holds a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration from Saint Louis University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He and his wife, Angela, are the proud parents of three children: Samantha (23), Andrew (20), and Landon (16). Together, they are deeply committed to their community, embracing a spirit of leadership and service.

UT Staff and Faculty Inauguration Information

All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to participate in the ceremony by being a part of the processional. Processional participants are required to wear academic regalia.

If you don’t have regalia, to order economy caps, hoods, and/or gowns please fill out this form. The University pays for these orders and staff and faculty members who have previously ordered regalia are asked to use their existing regalia. Please order your items by the end of the day on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. We do not purchase fine quality doctoral gowns, hoods, or tams. Staff and faculty may purchase these items on their own. For information, please contact Josten’s Representative, Molly Shaheen, at molly.shaheen@jostens.com.

Seats are limited. To participate, please fill out this RSVP form.