Clif Smart


Department

Role: Staff Emeritus
Campus: Springfield

Details

Education

  • JD, 1986, University of Arkansas School of Law
  • BA Political Science, 1983, Tulane University

Professional experience

  • President, Missouri State University, 2012-2024
  • Interim president, Missouri State University, 2011-2012
  • General counsel, Missouri State University, 2007-2011
  • Shareholder and vice president, The Strong Law Firm, 1992-2007
  • Associate, Wright, Lindsey & Jennings, 1990-1992
  • U.S. Army, 1986-1990

Research and professional interests

Professional associations

  • NCAA Division I Board of Directors
  • Arkansas Bar Association
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

Community involvement

  • President of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri
  • Member of the Hawthorn Foundation board of directors
  • Chair of an Isabel's House committee
  • Member of the Arc of the Ozarks board of directors
  • Member of the Springfield Regional Opera board of directors
  • Member of the CoxHealth board of directors
  • Member of the United Way of the Ozarks board of directors

Awards and honors

  • Licensed to practice law in Arkansas and Missouri
  • AV rated lawyer
  • Listed in "Best Lawyers in America"
  • Missouri Super Lawyer
  • Selected to the panel of three applicants submitted to the Governor for vacant Missouri Supreme Court positions, 2002 and 2004
  • Elected as one of two lawyer members of the 31st Circuit Judicial Commission, 2009

Additional resources