Office of the President
Norman M. Smith
1945-1952

Biographical Note: Retired Rear Admiral Norman M. Smith was elected the 20th president of USC in 1944, and assumed his duties in 1945. A native of Williston, SC, Smith graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1906 and the Naval War College in 1926. His presidency was marked by friction with student veterans who objected to his military style of administration. During Smith’s tenure, post-war enrollment jumped dramatically as veterans took advantage of the GI Bill, the School of Business Administration was established, and several new buildings were constructed. Upon his retirement, a scholarship fund was established in his honor from the accumulated salary he had declined to accept during his service as president. Finding Aids: 1947-1948 1949-1950 1950-1951 1951-1952