Claibourne Smith is an African American chemist who graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Denver. ^[1] Smith also has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry that he earned in 1964 from the University of Oregon.^[2] Smith spent about 28 years working at the Delaware State University Board of Trustees. ^[2] Smith's years of serving at the Delaware State University Board of Trustees came to an end on January 21, 2016.^[2] Smith played a crucial role in bringing significant changes and enhancements to Delaware State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).^[2]

Biography

Born on January 6, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, Smith discovered his passion for chemistry while attending Melrose High School, where he earned his high school diploma. He continued his academic journey at Denver University, obtaining both B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemistry in 1959 and 1961, respectively. During his college years, Smith was actively involved in chemical synthesis at the Denver Research Institute. His academic pursuits reached a pinnacle when he earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Oregon in 1964.^[1]

Smith started as a research chemist at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, spending 34 years there. Specializing in organic chemistry, he held various management roles, including Director of Marketing Liaison and Vice President of Marketing. Smith retired in 1998 as Vice President of Technology and Vice Chairman of Corporation Education Aid.^[1]

Smith recently concluded his 28-year tenure as a member of the Delaware State University Board of Trustees, earning the distinction of trustee emeritus.^[3] Having served as chair since 1992, he briefly stepped down between September 2008 and January 2010 to act as the university's interim president.^[4] David Turner took after Smith as the new board chair.^[4] In recognition of Smith's more than 25 years of service and 22 years as chairman, the university's board voted to rename the administration building after him.^[4] Despite no longer holding the position of chair, Smith remained an active board member until his term expired in 2016,^[4] emphasizing the importance of clear goals and measures for effective board governance.^[5]

Smith, who holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry expressed his ongoing commitment to Delaware State University as trustee emeritus. He plans to stay engaged with the university and continue attending board meetings in a non-voting capacity,^[3] expressing his desire to support Delaware State University's growth and evolution.^[2] Reflecting on his time as both interim president and board chair, Smith highlighted the need for effective communication and a shared understanding of goals between the university president and the board for successful decision-making.^[5] Smith's years of working at Delaware State University led the university toward continuous progress, positioning it to become one of the leading HBCUs in the country.

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