Jim Smith has been named interim Chief Operating Officer for Troy University’s Montgomery Campus.

Smith assumes oversight of campus operations following Ray White’s retirement from full-time service with the University.

“Jim Smith is a tireless worker committed to student success on our Montgomery Campus,” said Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “His dedication to quality, coupled with his understanding of TROY’s role in the Montgomery area will be a tremendous asset to us.”

Smith has been a member of the TROY staff since 2011. He began his duties with TROY overseeing the Montgomery Campus’ international students and establishing a leadership program on campus. Later in 2011, he was named as the Associate Dean of Student Services for the Montgomery Campus where he continued to be responsible for international students, student organizations, student conduct, advisor for the Gamma Beta Phi and Alpha Sigma Lambda honor societies, adjunct leadership instructor, and a variety of other duties.

Smith joined the TROY staff after retiring from the U.S. Air Force with more than 28 years of service. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds a master’s degree in human resources development from Webster University.

Smith has been a Chancellor’s Fellow and has traveled to Africa on behalf of the University on multiple occasions. In December, Smith was awarded the Vergil Parks McKinley Award, the highest honor given by Troy University to a non-faculty staff member. He also has served on the National Executive Committee of Gamma Beta Phi honor society since 2021.

“I am honored that the university leadership has asked me to serve in this capacity and excited for the opportunity,” Smith said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the great folks we have at the university and especially here at the Montgomery Campus as we seek to serve our students and our community.”