Mark Weldon Smith

Dr. Mark Weldon Smith, 90, of Columbus Ohio, passed away on May 16, 2018.

Mark attended Columbus Academy and Princeton University, and earned his BA, MA, and PhD from The Ohio State University. Mark served as Dean of Men and Professor of Psychology at Denison University in Granville OH from 1953 to 1971. After leaving Denison, Mark continued to serve as a leading figure in the field of student affairs, including serving as the Dean of Students and Professor of Psychology at Union College in Schenectady NY and at Eckerd College in St Petersburg FL.

He also served as the 1969-1970 president of National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the leading association for the advancement of the student affairs profession, and co-authored a book titled Pieces of Eight. Dr. Adam Weinberg, President of Denison University said about Mark: “he was respected and admired by a wide range of students, who stayed in contact with him over the years. He even had a 'Kitchen Cabinet' of former students who continued to meet in his home in Columbus. I have heard countless remarkable stories about Mark’s Psychology classes, the freshman orientation speech, and his presence on campus. He cared about and connected with his students, often shaping their Denison experience in ways that had a tremendous impact on the rest of their lives.” Mark was a leading advocate for student self-governance, delegating responsibility with trust and accountability.

After his retirement from academia, Mark pursued the music that was so important to his students and became a Rock and Roll historian. He created his “Rock Scroll”, an original hand drawn 275-foot long graphic history of Rock and Roll. He played football and basketball at Princeton and continued his love of sports throughout his life.

Preceded in death by parents Harrison Wilson Smith and Ann Savage Smith, brothers Harrison Smith and Peter Smith, and son Mark Savage Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Nancy Johnson Smith, son Wilson Woods Smith, daughter-in-law Rachel Smith, and granddaughters Alice, Katherine, Ella, Aubrey and Emelia Smith. Also daughter Dana Driscoll, daughter-in-law Cherry Smith, granddaughters Alexandria and Olivia Smith, and two great grandchildren.

Interment will be at Captiva Chapel by the Sea on Captiva Island, FL.

If desired, anyone who wishes to honor Mark may send a donation in his name to Office of the President, Denison University, 100 West College St, Granville, OH 43023.

Donations may also be made to the Mark Smith Annual Scholarship at Eckerd College at eckerd.edu/marksmith.