‘Community-focused, innovative’ academic appointed to lead College of Health and Human Services

KALAMAZOO, MI – Western Michigan University’s new dean of the College of Health and Human Services brings with her experience in building systems, engaging community and fostering relationships.

Dr. Lillian Upton Smith joined Western as dean on July 1. Smith comes to Western from Northern Arizona University, where she served as dean of the College of Health and Human Services and a tenured professor of health sciences.

“Dr. Smith brings to Western a wealth of experience in higher education and a deep commitment to public health,” Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, provost and vice president for academic affairs, says. “Her community-focused expertise, innovative leadership skills and experience in building systems and partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and serve the needs of our students, faculty and staff.”

Smith holds a Doctor of Public Health in health promotion and education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Public Health from Emory University. Her career has been marked by a focus on building infrastructure within higher education and fostering relationships between academia and communities. She has secured over $20 million in contracts and grants as Principal Investigator or co-PI.

“Since starting at WMU, I have been inspired by the University’s commitment to fostering holistic growth and well-being,” Smith says. “Our dedication to meeting the mission of creating a place where everyone may learn is evident in the people I’ve had the pleasure to work with so far. As a public health professional and academic, my goal is to make healthy decisions easy choices on and off campus by ensuring our social environment, policies and systems support that goal.”

At Northern Arizona University, Smith oversaw 4,800 students and more than 250 faculty across multiple campuses and departments. She spearheaded the $22 million New Economy Initiative to expand programming for adult and working students and realigned the college through strategic planning to enhance student success. Her efforts improved undergraduate retention and career preparation, established a mini-grant program for faculty, secured significant funding for student scholarships and fostered partnerships to develop pathways for underrepresented communities into health sciences programs.

Previously, Smith served as the divisional dean for and a professor in public health and population science in the College of Health Sciences at Boise State University. In her earlier career, she held director, assistant and associate dean positions in practice, community engagement and academic affairs in schools of public health at the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University. 

Smith said she was particularly impressed by Western’s sustainable and thoughtful infrastructure, including LEED-certified buildings and a new student center designed to encourage connections and engagement. She also values Western’s adoption of the Okanagan Charter for health promotion and its designation as a community-engaged university, which align with her professional goals and values.

“What I saw during my visit to Western was the real application and implementation of the University’s mission on campus and within the college,” Smith says. “Western’s dedication to fostering holistic growth and well-being, along with its commitment to social justice, equity and inclusion, resonated deeply with me. I look forward to working across campus and within our communities to advance health and well-being.”

The College of Health and Human Services at Western includes a diverse array of programs including physical therapy, social work, interdisciplinary health, occupational therapy, low-vision and blindness and physician assistant studies. Smith appreciates the synergy between these programs and the importance of the college acting as a bridge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based practice.

“I am eager to enhance the college’s existing programs and build on the strengths of our faculty and staff,” Smith says. “I aim to bring the college together, optimizing our budget and programming, and fostering responsive community engagement with local nonprofits, healthcare providers and community organizations.”

Smith succeeds Dr. Jennifer Harrison and Dr. Alessander Santos, who both served in interim dean roles during the transition.

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