Dr. Steven Smith will join the University of North Georgia (UNG) as vice president of regional campuses, effective Aug. 1. 

Smith will serve as the chief administrator based at UNG's Gainesville Campus and also oversee UNG's regional campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming and Oconee County. Smith will succeed Dr. Richard Oates, who has retired.

"Dr. Smith will bring strong experience to the recruitment, enrollment and retention of new and transfer students for our regional campuses," UNG President Bonita C. Jacobs said. "And I know he will also help strengthen community partnerships and alumni engagement in those campus communities."

Smith comes to UNG from West Virginia University at Parkersburg, where he has served since 2019 as the executive vice president for enrollment management, executive dean and CEO of the university's Jackson County campus, and special assistant to the president for equity and inclusion.

"I look forward to working with President Jacobs and her leadership team to ensure students are given opportunities to continue to thrive in an environment that is student-centered, student-friendly and student-success-oriented," Smith said.

In addition, he served as associate dean of enrollment management at Jackson State University, where he supported the areas of admissions and recruitment and scholarships.

Smith is a three-time alumnus of Jackson State University, earning his doctoral degree in educational administration and supervision, master's degree in educational administration and supervision, and bachelor's degree in mass communications from the university.

"I am grateful to Dr. Mac McConnell, who chaired this search, and the search committee for their outstanding work," Jacobs said. "Through their dedication to this process, we received numerous outstanding applicants for this important position. I look forward to working closely with Steven."