One might think being named a new department head would be a tough thing to do, but not for Dr. David Smith, who is no stranger to the accounting department.

He will be given the title of department head of accounting July 1.

This is Smith’s 11th year here at Southern, starting in the fall of 1995 as an associate professor in accounting.

Prior to coming to Missouri, Smith worked as a tax manager in international accounting firms in Minneapolis and Chicago, where he is originally from, starting back in 1984.

He then heard about a job opening at Southern in 1994, when he attended a conference in New York City and was interviewed by 19 schools in just two days.

After making a visit to Southern, he enjoyed the campus and people and realized this was the place for him. He later attended the University of North Texas to receive his Ph.D. in Accounting in 1997.

Having worked in the accounting department for over a decade, Smith has a great respect for his co-workers, whom he now is in charge of.

Being so comfortable in his surroundings makes it easy for him to get a good grasp of what his new title has in store.

“Primarily, I coordinate the efforts of a great group of individuals and try to get them the resources they need to do the best they can at teaching students here at Southern,” Smith said. “We are always watching out for changes in what our graduates need to know and adjust our program to provide that.”

Smith said he’s enjoyed every minute of his new job so far and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.

This being the beginning of his new role as department head, Smith said he has much to experience.

He said he doesn’t know what the hardest part of the job will entail. “It’s too early to tell for sure, but figuring out how to do what needs to be done,” he said. “Without the help of the secretaries, I’d be lost.”