Following a national search, Eastern Washington University has selected Lorenzo M. Smith as its next provost and vice president for academic affairs.

He will begin his new role July 1, replacing Jonathan Anderson, whose contract is up at the end of June. Anderson will return to a faculty role at EWU.

Smith will join EWU from Stephen F. Austin State University, in Texas, where he is the special assistant to the president for academic strategies. He previously served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Stephen F. Austin.

Prior to his time at the Texas university, Smith was the dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Sacramento.

He has authored or coauthored 62 peer-reviewed publications and holds two U.S. patents.

“Dr. Smith brings an impressive depth of leadership and academic expertise to this role, and his dedication to advancing student success, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for faculty growth aligns seamlessly with our strategic plan and university values,” says EWU President Shari McMahan in a press release.

Before transitioning to academia, Smith spent 10 years in the automotive industry, working in manufacturing and design at Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler.