Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Mark W. Smith, JD, assistant vice chancellor and director of the Career Center at Washington University in St. Louis, to serve on the Midwestern Higher Education Commission (MHEC).
The Missouri Senate confirmed the appointment May 3. The term ends Jan. 1, 2014.
The commission, a regional body that serves 12 states, advances higher education through interstate cooperation and resource sharing.
MHEC members seek to promote improved student access, affordability and completion; reduce operational costs; analyze public policy and facilitate information exchange; enhance regional higher education cooperation and dialogue; and encourage quality programs and services.
Founded in 1991, the MHEC serves the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Smith has worked in education for more than 20 years. He served as the associate dean for student affairs at Washington University’s School of Law from 1991-2004.
Before joining the university, he was an attorney at the international law firm of Bryan Cave in St. Louis.
In 1999, Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan appointed Smith to the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners, where he served as president.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Harvard University in 1982 and a law degree from Washington University in 1986.