G. Warren Smith II, who was president of Slippery Rock University from 1997 to 2003, died Sunday. He was 80.

G. Warren Smith II moved Slippery Rock University forward using his methodic, goal-driven management style, and left his mark on his coworkers' hearts as he did so.

Smith, 80, who died the day after Christmas following an illness, earned his doctoral degree in organic chemistry from Cornell University and served as a professor at that university and others before switching to the administrative side of university employment.

That move eventually resulted in Smith becoming Slippery Rock University's 14th president. He was a friend to all who knew him.

Smith served as president at SRU from 1997 to 2003.

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