G. Warren Smith II

G. Warren Smith II, Slippery Rock University's 14th president, passed away Dec. 26, 2021, at Orchard Manor. Dr. G. Warren Smith II was 80 years old.

Born in Kansas City, Mo., to Lucile Rathman and Grant W. Smith, Dr. Smith grew up in Akron, Ohio, and State College, Pa., where his lifelong connection to the Boy Scouts began. He became an Eagle Scout, and later in life was awarded the Silver Beaver in recognition of his years of dedication to Scouting.

Dr. Smith majored in chemistry at Grinnell College in Iowa, where he met and wooed fellow student, Constance Krambeer. Following their wedding, he attended Cornell University, earning his Ph.D. in organic chemistry.

After a few years on the Cornell faculty, he couldn't resist a job offer from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. He served as department head and faculty member there for 10 years. Although he eventually moved on to other opportunities, he never truly got Alaska out of his blood.

He served as dean at the University of Houston, Clearlake, and later moved to Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La., where he was vice president for academic affairs and then president. Dr. Smith guided that university through very difficult financial times. He even made the controversial decision to eliminate the university's football program so that there would be enough money to move the university library's collection into a newly constructed building. Under his leadership, enrollment doubled and it became the fastest growing university in the nation.

His selection as Slippery Rock University's 14th president was one of the proudest moments of Dr. Smith's life. He believed that access to higher education is fundamental to the prosperity of this region. His leadership style was future-oriented, easy going, fair minded and good-humored. He has been called “the best boss ever.”

He was a member of numerous scientific societies including, the American Chemical Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry and Phi Kappa Phi. He also was a member of The Explorers Club of New York.

Known for his love of British cars, opera and kerosene lamps, Dr. Smith was often seen driving his 1965 Land Rover, usually with classical music blaring.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, he frequently regaled his family with groan-worthy puns and an off-beat sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by Connie, his wife of 59 years; his son, Grant; his granddaughters, Skyler and Pepper; and his sister, Shirley Fonda.

Dr. Smith was very involved in community service. He was a violinist and a faithful member of community orchestras wherever he lived. He enjoyed playing with the Butler Symphony until ill health overtook him. He also served in leadership roles in various civic and governmental groups, such as Boy Scouts, Rotary, the Institute for Learning in Retirement, Community Development, and the Slippery Rock Township Zoning Board. Dr. Smith and his wife were key contributors to the Slippery Rock Community Library capital campaign.

SMITH — A memorial for Dr. G. Warren Smith II, who died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, will be arranged at a later time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Institute for Learning in Retirement or Slippery Rock Community Library.

Arrangements were handled by Smith Funeral Home, Slippery Rock.