A distinguished former Deputy Chancellor, Ron Smyth passed away last Tuesday and was farewelled at a private funeral service in Nambour on Saturday. He was 74.

Mr Smyth made a huge contribution to the University, helping to guide and oversee its transition from a relatively small institution to full university status. Our city centre building at 240 Quay Street was named after him in August 2002.

Ron Smyth (right) with then Chancellor Justice Stan Jones at the official naming of the Ron Smyth Building in Quay Street in 2002

He was also active in local business circles as Managing Director of local merchandise company Denham Brothers and as Finance Director at vehicle retailer DC Motors.

Mr Smyth graduated in 1977 from CQUniversity (then known as Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education) with a Graduate Diploma of Management.

As a Member of Council and Chair of the Finance Committee with what was then known as the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education (1981 to 1989), Mr Smyth worked hard to expand the University and increase opportunities for thousands of Central Queensland residents.

He held that position while assuming other committee responsibilities for commercial operations and finance of the University College of Central Queensland (1989-92).

Mr Smyth's contributions to the UCCQ increased as it grew and changed names. He held finance and planning positions on the Council during our transition to a full university as the University of Central Queensland in the early 1990s. 

Mr Smyth was appointed Deputy Chancellor of Central Queensland University in 1995 (until 1998) and Pro-Chancellor in 1998 (until 2001) and held membership on numerous committees including Audit, Personnel, Executive and Property & Finance. He was also a member of the AustraLearn Board 1999-2001 and was active in other community roles including the CQ Salvation Army Advisory Board.