President David R. Smith, M.D., is honored by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

SUNY Upstate Medical University President David R. Smith, M.D., received a plaque in his honor from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), where he served as president from 1996 to 2001 prior to his appointment as chancellor of Texas Tech University (TTU). He joined SUNY Upstate as president in September 2007.

In unveiling the plaque at ceremonies in Lubbock, Texas, TTUHSC President John C. Baldwin, M.D., said Smith’s leadership at TTUHSC advanced the institutions prominence on a state and national level.

“Dr. Smith’s experience whether in public health or pediatric medicine and his work as this institution’s president has left a legacy that will touch many generations to come,” Baldwin said. “Dr. Smith is well respected for his tremendous record of success, and it is an honor to have him back home.”

Through his efforts at the state and national level, the largest endowment in the history of Texas Tech to that point in time was established in the amount of $85 million. Additionally, he oversaw the largest facilities expansion represented by significant investments in Lubbock, Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso, Midland and Odessa. Two significant programmatic expansions and endowments were established for a geriatric program, teaching nursing home, and the Office of Rural and Community Health.

For more information on President Smith: www.upstate.edu/president/bio.php