Robert “Ish” Smith (1936-2021)
Former Greenville University President Robert “Ish” Smith seemed comfortable taking the lead. He presided over U.S. and world baseball organizations. He forged paths that brought baseball to the Olympics. He directed tournaments at three Olympics (with games that played to crowds of 40,000 or more) and garnered awards for steering the process.
His work out front landed him in halls of fame and among the elite recipients of the Olympic Order. Still, when I asked Ish about the drive behind all this, he talked not about leading, but about helping.
A sports lover, Ish arrived at GU in 1955 wanting to play basketball and baseball. His mediocre skills would likely keep him on the bench, but it’s hard to deny passion. Panther Coach John Strahl floated an idea. Ish could help Strahl by managing Panther teams. Ish wasn’t sure what managing meant, but he agreed. In no time he was packing uniforms for trips, picking up sack lunches, toting equipment bags, and signing out keys for school cars. Management, it turned out, just meant helping.
But Coach needed Ish’s help and valued his help. Helping Strahl led to opportunities for Ish to grow—advanced degrees, collegiate coaching jobs, and administrative roles. Strahl ultimately opened doors that led Ish to engaging global leaders, influencers, and decision-makers. Along the way, Ish discovered that helping both informed and improved leadership.
Students who attended GU during the Smith era (1993-1998) will recall their president’s passion for servant leadership. Those of us who enjoyed working with Ish more recently will recall his unflagging willingness to help in any way he could. He shared university news with alumni, penned notes, encouraged staff, and prayed.
He led by example even when his stride weakened and his eyes dimmed. Presidential still, he showed us that leading and serving belong together.
Morris Sampler 