'It's Been a Privilege'

After 32 years at lehigh, John Smeaton will retire at the end of the academic year as vice provost for Student Affairs, a position he's held for 20 years.

As part of the president’s senior leadership team, Smeaton has headed up one of the university’s largest divisions, which includes the Dean of Students Office, the Health and Wellness Center, University Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Advancement and Prevention Strategies, the Women’s Center, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Pride Center and ROTC. His tenure spanned four decades, six presidents (including two interims) and the ongoing evolution of the university from a primarily Northeastern, male-dominated student body to one now far more diverse and international in makeup.

Among his most significant contributions has been placing Lehigh at the forefront of national initiatives on Greek life, campus safety, mental health, health prevention strategies, reducing alcohol abuse and on learning outside the classroom, such as through Lehigh’s distinctive bLUeprint program.

Smeaton also oversaw development of the Graduate Student Life Office, the Pride Center, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Women’s Center, and he spearheaded the evolution of housing options on The Hill, which now includes fraternities, sororities, UMOJA House and Sayre Park Village student housing complex. But he hopes his legacy will be the caliber of his Student Affairs colleagues, whom he characterized as “deeply and genuinely committed to improving the quality of the student experience. I have been blessed to work alongside such caring, creative and competent professionals.

“Students are at the center of what we do,” he said. “This period of young adulthood—from 18 to 22 years old—is in many ways a magical time in an individual’s development. It has been an absolute privilege to contribute to their journey.”

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Pat Farrell said that under Smeaton, Student Affairs has become a nationally recognized leader in support of students, innovations in student health and safety, and development of an inclusive campus climate. “His dedication to student life and improving the student experience has made a big difference to thousands of Lehigh students and graduates,” said Farrell.