IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 17, 2007
Contact: Gordon Ovenshine
724.738.4854; c 724.991.8302
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Smart Business Pittsburgh lauds SRU president as regional leader 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa – Slippery Rock University President Robert Smith has been named a smart leader by Smart Business Pittsburgh journal. A profile in the October issue of the publication describes him as a constant communicator and ‘watch list’ leader who has unified Slippery Rock.

“Bob Smith is a recognized leader in the greater Pittsburgh community,” said Dustin Klein, the magazine executive editor. “His ability to communicate his vision clearly and effectively, combined with his strong vision for Slippery Rock University, made him an excellent choice to highlight as a smart leader in Smart Business Pittsburgh. We’ve been thoroughly impressed with him and he’s been on our watch list for quite a while.”

Smart Business Pittsburgh is a regional management journal for CEOs, presidents and other senior executives. Published monthly in 20 cities nationwide, Smart Business provides insight and strategy from business and civic leaders to more than 750,000 readers.

Smith shared several of his leadership maxims with the magazine. They include, “live your vision and communicate it every day,” “believe in your vision,” “don’t make the vision all about you,” “reward those who achieve success” and “be open.”

“There will be way too many times in which challenges will be thrown in front of you, obstacles will occur and frustrations will happen in which your commitment to the vision may be the only beacon pointing to the way out,” Smith told the journal. “If you don’t have that kind of passionate commitment, you’re going to waffle and give up.”

Smith joined SRU in 1999 as provost and vice president for academic affairs. He became interim president in 2002 and the 15th president of SRU in May 2004.

In the past five years, SRU has earned more than a dozen new academic program accreditations and received four national awards for enhanced academic quality. Enrollment has increased to an all-time high and graduation rates have significantly improved.

Capital improvements are numerous. SRU has nearly completed a $130-million student-housing replacement project and opened its Advanced Technology and Science Hall. The campus continues to undergo renovations and is infused with new technology and greening initiatives.

Smith is a nationally recognized specialist in executive leadership development. A Kansas native, he is the only Kansan to have been selected as a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services fellow.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.