Rodney K. Smith

Rodney K. Smith (10 May 1951 – 26 July 2020) was an American academic. He was the Director of the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University.[1] Prior to that, he served as the 3rd president of Southern Virginia University (SVU) (2004-2011), and as a dean of the schools of law at Capital University, University of Montana, and University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He also served as the director of the Sports Law and Business Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and as distinguished professor of law at Thomas Jefferson School of Law.[2]

Rodney K. Smith
3rd President of Southern Virginia University
In office April 2004 – 2011
Personal details
Alma mater	J. Reuben Clark Law School (J.D.) University of Pennsylvania Law School (LL.M., S.J.D.)
Profession	Academic administrator, law professor
Website	UVU Center for Constitutional Studies
Academic work
Institutions	Utah Valley University, Arizona State University, Southern Virginia University, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Capital University, University of Montana, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Biography

Smith is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).[3]

Smith received a law degree from Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark Law School, and an LL.M. and S.J.D from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.[4]

Smith served as the dean of Capital University's Law School. During his time in Columbus he also served as bishop of an LDS ward.[5]

Smith also served as a member of the board of trustees of the American Academy of Liberal Education.[6]

Bibliography

• Public Prayer and the Constitution : A Case Study in Constitutional Interpretation
• Getting off on the Wrong Foot and Back On Again: A Reexamination of the History of the Framing of the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment and a Critique of the Reynolds and Everson Decisions
• Nonpreferentialism in Establishment Clause Analysis: A Response to Professor Laycock
• The Role of Religion in Progressive Constitutionalism
• Religion and the Press: Keeping First Amendment Values in Balance (with Patrick A. Shea)

Notes

1. https://www.uvu.edu/supportuvu/gifts-in-action/rodney_smith.php
2. https://www.uvu.edu/supportuvu/gifts-in-action/rodney_smith.php
3. Jarvik, Elaine (April 26, 2003). "Media's treatment of religion targeted". Deseret News. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
4. https://www.uvu.edu/supportuvu/gifts-in-action/rodney_smith.php
5. Church News, June 27, 1992
6. https://www.uvu.edu/supportuvu/gifts-in-action/rodney_smith.php

References

• Church News, April 28, 2007