CSC mourns loss of Dr. Smith

Photo: Dr. Tom Smith, History Professor and Department Chair at Chadron State College, died Saturday, Feb. 21, in Chadron. He was 59. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)

CHADRON – Dr. Tom Smith, History Professor and Department Chair at Chadron State College, died Saturday, Feb. 21, in Chadron. He was 59. A memorial service for Smith will be Friday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron.

“Dr. Smith was a well-respected professor, colleague, researcher, and friend to so many students and employees on our campus,” said CSC President Jodi Kupper. “His confidence and intellect were equally at home on a rugby pitch as they were in a classroom. He will certainly be missed in our community, and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.”

Smith spent the majority of his academic career teaching at Chadron State College. He joined CSC as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 2011, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2014, and became Professor in 2019. Prior to teaching at CSC, he was a Visiting Assistant Professor of History at the University of Nevada at Reno and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Smith was a respected global history scholar, researcher, and presenter who focused his academic work on Pan-African activism, post-colonial politics, and human rights. Smith published widely, and his book, Emancipation without Equality: Pan-African Activism and the Global Color Line, was released in 2018.

Smith was an engaged faculty member who served on several campus committees, including Faculty Senate’s Academic Review Committee. He developed thoughtful courses and was committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for students. Alongside Professor Deane Tucker, he led study abroad trips to Cuba that immersed students in the history they were studying.

Smith is survived by his wife, Jeanice; his daughter, Jackson; and his son, Thomas.

Those wishing to leave memories in a remembrance book for Smith’s family may visit the Dean of Liberal Arts Office in Old Admin, Room 232.