Texas Southern University Names Interim Sr. Vice President and Chief Administration Officer

Dr. Rodney D. Smith has been named Interim Sr. Vice President and Chief Administration Officer (CAO) at Texas Southern University. A nationally recognized academic leader and visionary administrator, Dr. Smith brings expertise honed over decades in higher education that includes shaping institutions with his exceptional leadership abilities and strategic insight.

He will serve as the University’s principal executive for driving institutional performance across all non-academic functions. In this role, Dr. Smith is charged with strengthening internal controls, accelerating operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and aligning every administrative function with the University’s academic and student success mission.

His responsibilities will include establishing disciplined execution, data-informed decision making, and cross-functional coordination to ensure strategy that moves from concept to measurable impact. At this pivotal moment for the University, the CAO position is designed to move the needle by building systems, processes and culture necessary for the University to become a high-velocity organization across every facet of its operations.

I have named Dr. Rodney D. Smith, Ed.D., Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Administration Officer (CAO) for Texas Southern University. A nationally recognized academic leader and administrator, Dr. Smith brings expertise honed over decades in higher education. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Smith to Texas Southern University. A national search for the role of permanent Chief Administration Officer has commenced, with an anticipated selection in summer 2026,” said J.W. Crawford, III, 14th President of Texas Southern University.

Dr. Smith holds a doctoral degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy and an Ed.M in Administration and Planning with a concentration in International Education, both from Harvard Graduate School of Education. His educational background also includes post-graduate studies in Transactional Ecological Psychology at the George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in Clinical/Educational Psychology from the Fisk University/Meharry Medical College Joint Program, and a B.A. in Psychology from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.

He served as the inaugural President and Chief Executive Officer of the University of The Bahamas, holding the office during two pivotal periods: from 2004-2005, and again from 2014-2022. His tenure was marked by transformative initiatives in fundraising, foundation development, and institutional growth. Dr. Smith’s innovative approach brought profound changes that included implementation of data management systems, strategic planning, and fostering leadership at all levels.

Prior to his work at the University of The Bahamas, Dr. Smith served Hampton University as Vice President for Administrative Services and Chief Administrative and University Planning Officer from 2008 to 2014. Prior to his tenure at Hampton, he served as President of Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Upon his departure from the University of The Bahamas, Dr. Smith served as Distinguished Senior Fellow for the Templeton World Charity Foundation.

Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to academic excellence, institutional advancement, and the holistic development of students and faculty alike.