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Erskine Smith has been appointed to the position of interim associate dean for administration in Western Illinois University's College of Education and Human Services. He assumed the duties for the interim associate dean position on July 1.
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Smith Appointed COEHS Interim Associate Dean

July 6, 2009

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MACOMB, IL -- Erskine Smith has been appointed to the position of interim associate dean for administration in Western Illinois University's College of Education and Human Services (COEHS).

According to COEHS Interim Dean Nick DiGrino, Smith assumed the duties for the interim associate dean position on July 1; Smith's primary responsibilities will be in the areas of budget, personnel, contract implementation and facilities. DiGrino also noted Smith will be assisting with transitional considerations in Western's dietetics, fashion merchandising and hospitality (DFMH) department, of which Smith was named chair in 2004.

"Erskine brings a wealth of talent and experience to the dean's office. He is held in high regard by our chairs and directors, and I am sure he will be an outstanding member of our administrative team," DiGrino said.

"I look forward to serving the College of Education and Human Services as associate dean during this transitional period," Smith said. "I recognize and appreciate that the position of associate dean will allow me the opportunity to work with the COEHS leadership and its entities, as COEHS addresses challenges, issues and opportunities affecting its role at Western today and in the near future."

Before coming to WIU, Smith served as chair and associate professor of family and consumer sciences at the University of Mississippi. Prior to working at the University of Mississippi, Smith was the associate director of the division of applied research of the National Food Service Management Institute and an assistant professor of food service management at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has also served as the director of the School of Home Economics at Southern Mississippi and as an administrative intern in the Office of the Chancellor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Smith has also worked as a clinical dietitian in the private sector.

Smith has published numerous articles for professional journals, is a contributing author for several textbooks and monographs and has served as a presenter at national conferences.

Smith received his bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He also holds a certificate from The Miami Valley Hospital Dietetic Internship Program.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
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