Denis Smith, York University's first registrar, who was also an educator, editor and political scientist, passed away at the age of 92 on Jan. 31.
Smith's time at York University may have been a brief three years, but it was formative for the institution.
After Smith's educational path took him from McGill University to Oxford, where he earned his MA and BLitt degrees, he served as York University's first registrar from 1960-63. He was also the institution's second secretary of senate and a lecturer in political science.
Denis Smith
During his time in those roles, Smith helped shape the administrative and academic foundation of York, setting the stage for its future growth and success. His impact on the University's beginnings would receive a special recognition when he was named a member of The York University Founders Honour Society, created for the institution's 50th anniversary in 2009.
York wasn't the only academic institution Smith influenced. In 1963, he joined Trent University as vice-president, becoming one of its pioneering members. He'd later move on to become dean of social sciences at the University of Western Ontario from 1983-88. He retired in 1996.
Throughout his career, Smith became not just an influential figure in postsecondary administrations, but in the field of Canadian studies.
He was the founding editor of the Journal of Canadian Studies, edited The Canadian Forum and was president of the Canadian Periodical Publishers Association. Smith also wrote several books exploring Canadian political history, including a biography of former prime minister John Diefenbaker which won the Dafoe Book Prize, the University of British Columbia Medal for Canadian Biography and was shortlisted for the Trillium Book Award. He'd later expand his interests to Hispanic studies, resulting in works like The Prisoners of Cabrera: Napoleon's Forgotten Soldiers and General Miranda's Wars: Turmoil and Revolt in Spanish America.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
