Michael R. Smith
Director, Institute of Government and Dean, School of Government
1992 to Present

Career Milestones

1978—Joined the Institute of Government as assistant professor of law and government. As a faculty member, he wrote, taught, and consulted extensively in the fields of civil liability of public officials and legal aspects of county jails, with a particular emphasis on AIDS in corrections facilities.

1980—Provided legal assistance and training to help sheriffs and jail administrators create model policies and procedures for reducing jail suicides.

1984—Appointed associate professor of law and government

1988-1992—Provided legal advice, consultation, and drafting for a Department of Human Resources Task Force that completely revised North Carolina’s minimum jail standards.

1987-88—Consultant for the Governor’s Crime Commission’s study of North Carolina jails.

1989—Appointed full professor of law and government at the Institute of Government.

1991—Created a comprehensive guide to assist sheriffs and jail administrators in the development of polices and procedures for the operation of their jails.

1992—Appointed director of the Institute of Government. Throughout Smith’s tenure, he has expanded the School’s capacity to assist public officials in the areas of public management, finance, and administration without reducing its traditional strengths in public law.

1993—Developed principles of diversity and implemented an affirmative action strategy to diversify the Institute of Government faculty.

1994—Created the Institute of Government Foundation and initiated a fundraising program to diversify funding for the Institute

1994-1997— Secured University approval and legislative funding to renovate and expand the Knapp Building.

1997—Spearheaded the creation of the North Carolina Civic Education Consortium that is aimed at improving civic education and civic participation for youth in North Carolina.

1997—Worked to analyze and facilitate the transfer of the Master of Public Administration Program to the Institute.

1999—Launched a private and public fundraising capital campaign to renovate and expand the Institute’s Knapp Building.

2000—Collaborated with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and UNC-Chapel Hill to create the Center for Public Technology to assist local governments with information technology management issues.

2001—Led the successful effort for the Institute of Government to become the School of Government.

2003—Supported the creation of the School of Government’s Community and Economic Development program.

“Mike Smith has an expansive, client-centered vision for the School of Government. His creative and innovative leadership is matched only by his enthusiastic dedication to and belief in the capacity of the School to improve the lives of North Carolinians. Mr. Coates would be proud of what Mike has done with the Institute.”

—DeWitt “Mac” McCarley, City Attorney, Charlotte