Born in Dayton, Ohio, Phil Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from BJU in 1955, an M.Ed. from Miami University of Ohio in 1956, and an Ed.D. from Penn State University in 1964. He became dean of the College of Arts and Science in 1961, when he was 27. He served as registrar for sixteen years (1965-1981) and then became the first provost of the University, serving from 1981 until 2005. As provost, he superintended the academic life of the institution including the faculty, the curriculum, and the educationally related departments: the elementary school, the Academy, and BJU Press. In addition he chaired the Administrative Conference and the University Scholarship Committee.