University General Counsel Smith set to retire

President Philomena V. Mantella has announced that Patricia Smith, Grand Valley general counsel, is retiring at the end of December after a quarter century of providing legal support for the university.

Mantella announced Smith's retirement to the university on September 25, calling her a "trusted counselor."

"Pat's expertise and knowledge have been invaluable as we've maneuvered around the wide range of situations and negotiations that arise at a large university," Mantella said in the announcement. "Additionally, her steady demeanor and wisdom have helped her and her team traverse an increasingly complicated world while minimizing the amount of litigation."

Smith started with the Office of General Counsel in 1999 and worked up the ranks before beginning her tenure as general counsel in 2021. Her wide-ranging duties have included providing legal counsel across the university, supporting personnel searches, overseeing litigation and civil rights complaints, drafting administrative and Board of Trustees policies and guiding real estate transactions.

She said that by its nature, the position involved mostly behind-the-scenes work. Smith is grateful for her time at GVSU, calling it an "awesome experience" that involved a lot of responsibility but also the opportunity to work with many people and a variety of projects.

"I have had the pleasure of serving under four presidents," Smith said. "I am proud that this university has navigated a rapidly changing legal landscape, with increased compliance obligations seemingly a new constant, and we have done it well. I have long said that I believe what makes GVSU unique from the other Michigan public universities is the people who work here and their dedication to making the student experience their number one priority.

"I don't think I would have stayed this long had I not enjoyed and respected the people I worked with so much."

Smith's replacement will be announced in the coming days.