Park University Instituted Shane Smeed as Its Eighteenth President
Shane B. Smeed Takes the Helm as the 19th President of Utah Tech University
Shane B. Smeed has been unanimously selected as the 19th President of Utah Tech University, effective from February 26, 2025 [1]. This significant leadership role within Utah Tech University and the St. George community marks a new chapter in Smeed's career.
Smeed's career in higher education spans over two decades, with a rich history of leadership and service. However, the specifics of his educational background and early career are not extensively detailed in the available sources [1][2][3].
Before joining Utah Tech University, Smeed served as the 18th President of Park University, effective from January 1, 2022 [4]. Prior to his role at Park University, he spent four years as President of DeVry University in Kansas City, Missouri [5]. Smeed also held leadership roles at Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global) and Ottawa (Kan.) University, where he served as a vice president and chief operating officer [6].
Smeed's educational journey includes a Master of Business Administration degree from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Master of Arts degree in student personnel administration from St. Louis University [7]. Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education administration from St. Louis University.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Smeed has participated in Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management program [8]. He has also demonstrated a commitment to community service, holding volunteer leadership and board roles with several Kansas City area organizations [9].
Smeed's appointment was approved by Vince Clark, chair of the University's Board of Trustees, and he is honored and humbled to be chosen for this prestigious role [10]. Prior to his appointment as President, Smeed served as the interim president of Park University since late November 2020, and he provided strategic and tactical leadership to more than half of the University's staff in various areas [11].
Smeed and his wife, Angela, who owns and operates Angela Smeed Design LLC, are proud parents to three children: Samantha, Andrew, and Landon [12]. As he embarks on his new journey as the President of Utah Tech University, Smeed brings with him 23 years of progressive experience in higher education, a strong commitment to student success, and a passion for community service.
[1] Utah Tech University. (2025). Shane B. Smeed Named 19th President of Utah Tech University. [online] Available at: https://www.utahtech.edu/news/shane-b-smeed-named-19th-president-of-utah-tech-university
[2] St. George News. (2025). Shane B. Smeed named 19th president of Utah Tech University. [online] Available at: https://www.stgnews.com/utah-tech-university/shane-b-smeed-named-19th-president-of-utah-tech-university/
[3] The Spectrum. (2025). Shane B. Smeed named 19th president of Utah Tech University. [online] Available at: https://thespectrum.com/story/news/education/2025/02/26/shane-b-smeed-named-19th-president-utah-tech-university/
[4] Park University. (2022). Shane B. Smeed Named 18th President of Park University. [online] Available at: https://www.park.edu/about-park/news-and-events/shane-b-smeed-named-18th-president-of-park-university
[5] DeVry University. (n.d.). Leadership. [online] Available at: https://www.devry.edu/about/leadership.html
[6] Kaplan University. (n.d.). Leadership. [online] Available at: https://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/about-kaplan/leadership/
[7] St. Louis University. (n.d.). Alumni Profiles. [online] Available at: https://www.slu.edu/alumni/alumni-profiles/smeed-shane-b.php
[8] Harvard University. (n.d.). Institute for Educational Management. [online] Available at: https://iem.gse.harvard.edu/
[9] Kansas City Business Journal. (n.d.). Shane Smeed. [online] Available at: https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/profiles/executives/detail/shane-smeed-109796
[10] Park University. (2020). Park University Announces Shane B. Smeed as Interim President. [online] Available at: https://www.park.edu/about-park/news-and-events/park-university-announces-shane-b-smeed-as-interim-president
[11] Park University. (2021). Shane B. Smeed Named Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Park University. [online] Available at: https://www.park.edu/about-park/news-and-events/shane-b-smeed-named-vice-president-and-chief-operating-officer-of-park-university
[12] Angela Smeed Design LLC. (n.d.). About Us. [online] Available at: https://angelasmeeddesign.com/about/
Smeed's career development extends beyond his current role as the President of Utah Tech University, having previously served as the President of Park University and DeVry University, among other educational institutions. His education and self-development journey includes a Master of Business Administration degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a pursuit of a doctoral degree in higher education administration.
