After 30 Years, UNC School of Government Dean to Step Down

One of the longest-serving deans in UNC history has announced plans to step down at the end of December, after 30 years on the job.

School of Government dean Mike Smith announced his impending resignation in an open letter last month. He said he’s making the announcement well in advance, to give UNC time to conduct a national search for his successor.

“I have never been more certain of a decision,” he wrote. “It is the right time for me, and I believe it is the right time for the School.”

Technically, Mike Smith has led UNC’s School of Government longer than the school has even existed. It was still known as the Institute of Government when he was named director in 1992, after serving on the faculty since 1978. In 2001, the Institute officially rebranded as the School of Government, and Smith’s title switched from “director” to “dean.”

“I want more time to do other things,” Smith said of his decision to step down. “For the sake of the School, it is time for another leader to bring fresh ideas and new ways of leading.”

Smith’s most recent accomplishment was in fundraising, as the UNC School of Government raised more than $50 million as part of the university-wide Campaign for Carolina.

The School also celebrated its 90th anniversary last year. Smith has served as dean or director for a third of that time.

“I loved being a faculty member and I have loved serving as dean at the School of Government,” he wrote. “The School is not perfect and there always will be room for improvement, but it is a special place that makes a difference in the lives of all North Carolinians….It has been my honor and pleasure to lead the School, and I look forward to continuing that work during the coming year.”

Smith will be stepping down as dean on December 31. He said he hasn’t decided yet whether to retire altogether or remain on the faculty.

“Whatever my decision,” he wrote, “I will support the School in whatever way my successor might find appropriate and helpful.”

Photo via UNC School of Government.

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