UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF HOUSING

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - William Benjamin Smith came on board September 1, 2001 as the director of housing for the University of Arkansas. Smith replaces James Conneely who now serves as the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs.

"Mr. Smith brings a wealth of experience both in university housing and food services, as well as in student affairs work in general," Conneely said. "I believe that he will move the residential program on the University of Arkansas campus to the next level through the skills and leadership abilities he possesses. I am very excited about the expertise he brings to us as a student affairs professional."

Smith comes to the U of A from Indiana University where he was the associate dean of students/director of development. He also served as the executive associate director and then as the executive director for the halls of residence from 1994 until 1998. While there, Smith was the chief architect for the merging of the housing, food service, and residential education departments into the Division of Residential Programs and Services. Additionally, while at Indiana, Smith spearheaded a $28,000,000 project to renovate an existing traditional residence hall configuration. Student population at Indiana University is about 9,400.

"I am truly delighted to be at the University of Arkansas as part of this dynamic housing operation," Smith said. "I believe the future of our department lies in creating partnerships with academic departments and faculty in order to develop a seamless learning environment on the U of A campus. This environment must provide a broad variety of housing and learning options."

Mr. Smith’s career in residence life began in 1974 where he served as the coordinator of residence life for Virginia Union University. His career experiences include: live-in director of male living unit, Ball State University, 1976 - 1979; assistant director, residence life, staff development, and personnel, Kutztown University, 1979 - 1984; coordinator of residence life, Iowa State University, 1984 - 1987; assistant director of residence life, Cornell University, 1987 - 1990; dean of students at Wilberforce University, 1990 - 1994.

Smith received his Bachelor of Arts in history in 1973 from Indiana University and his master’s degree in college student personnel from Indiana University in 1974. He has completed all coursework at Iowa State University toward a doctorate in higher education and hotel and restaurant management.