EDWARD D. SMITH, 60, ASSESSMENT DIRECTOR

Edward Douglas Smith, 60, of Midlothian, who served for more than eight years as Old Dominion University's director of assessment, died Saturday, Aug. 2, of cancer in a Richmond hospital.

Smith was the primary architect of ODU's assessment program. He was a nationally recognized expert in the area of student outcomes assessment and was well known throughout the university. In addition to his affiliation with ODU, Smith was director of assessment and institutional research and a psychology professor at Longwood College.

Smith is survived by his wife, Sherry; four stepchildren, Sarah, Adam, Jason and Meredith; and three grandchildren, Megan Williamson and Kennedy, and Kiel Good.

Smith received his bachelor's degree from Heidelberg College, his master's degree from the University of Hawaii and his doctorate degree from Kent State University, all in the field of experimental psychology. He became a professor of psychology at Longwood University in Farmville in 1971 and served as department chairman for six years. Smith was associate vice-president for academic affairs from 1989-91. In 1997, he became the director of assessment and institutional research and also served as president of the Faculty Senate of Virginia from 1987-89.

In 1994 Smith created his own research and assessment consulting firm, Behavioral Technologies. In this capacity he worked with many colleges and universities across the country, most significantly an eight-year affiliation with Old Dominion University.

Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at West End Assembly of God, 401 Parham Rd, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.