Robert Smith

MARTIN, Tenn. — Former Slippery Rock University President Robert Smith has taken a new interim academic position in Tennessee, where he has lived since retiring in 2012.

Smith will become the interim chancellor at the University of Tennessee Martin, one of the state university's three schools. There also are locations in Knoxville and Chattanooga.

His one-year appointment begins June 1.

Smith said as chancellor, he will do the same duties as he had as university president at Slippery Rock. During his nine-year tenure at SRU, he led innovations in enrollment management, improved retention and graduation rates, and strengthened academic quality.

He's also former dean of the UT Martin College of Arts and Sciences and co-creator and former executive director of the UT Martin-affiliated WestStar Leadership Program.

Joe DiPietro, UT president, said in a statement, “We are fortunate to have a leader and higher education expert of Dr. Smith's caliber and one with such significant ties to UT Martin returning to guide the university through this transition.

“His transformative leadership at Slippery Rock University has been recognized by some of the nation's most prestigious higher education associations, and I look forward to working with Dr. Smith and the UT Martin faculty, students and administration during this interim period.”

Smith has been living in Franklin, which is near Nashville.