Donn LeRoy Smith, M.D., M.S., Ph.D. (1915-1995)

Eighteenth Dean 1963-1969

M.D., University of Colorado, 1958

Donn L. Smith, a native of Denver, Colorado, received his M.S. in Biology and Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Denver.  He obtained his M.D. at the age of 48 after serving with the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II.

Dr. Smith’s research and published works focused heavily on physiologic measures of pain, particularly due to trauma, and pharmacologic healing processes.

He came to the University of Louisville in 1963 as Dean from the University of Colorado, where he served as Associate Dean and Vice President for Medical Affairs.

During his tenure Dr. Smith secured a $50,000 planning grant from Governor Bert Combs for upgrading the School’s physical plant.  This facilitated a construction grant which built the 14-story Medical School, Library and Laboratory Buildings.  Also built during his tenure were the Radiation Center, the Kentucky Lions Eye Research Institute, and the Child Psychiatry Center.  A $1.9 million special improvement grant for strengthening the medical faculty was also obtained.

Dr. Smith resigned as Dean of the School in 1969 following personal and programmatic controversy and became Dean of a new medical school at the University of South Florida in Tampa.