Smith’s two key goals are to eliminate redundancies and reduce inefficiencies.
Since February 2022, Robert Smith III, PhD, has served as the vice dean of the Gillings School. In this role, his two key goals are, in his words, “to eliminate redundancies and reduce inefficiencies.” Prior to joining the Gillings School, Smith spent 10 years at the UNC School of Medicine, most recently as associate chair for administration in the department of neurology. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Smith’s commitment to public health goes back to his childhood where, as a young man, he earned the nickname “Doc.”
Smith provides operational leadership to the Gillings School during a time of transition — when the pandemic has changed many of our assumptions about work and the role of public health in society. Old habits of work and learning are being examined, and he brings his experience with “The Future of Work” from his time at the School of Medicine.
Smith is a seasoned leader, lecturer, manager, administrator and training consultant, with more than 20 years of experience.
Outside of work, Smith is an avid cyclist, dating back to his time as a member of the Piedmont Flyers cycling team.
