July 2, 2003

THIBODAUX - Nicholls State University recently accepted a $60,000 donation from the family of the late T. Baker Smith to establish a $100,000 endowed professorship in the university's new geomatics degree program, announced Dr. Rebecca L. Tucker, NSU Director of Development.

The contribution from the Smith family will create the T. Baker Smith Endowed Professorship in Geomatics and Surveying, which will serve as a means of attracting or retaining quality faculty of national and international distinction who will provide excellence in teaching and significant research contributions.

"Nicholls State is such a critical component to this area," Kenny Smith, president and C.E.O. of T. Baker Smith, Inc., and grandson of T. Baker Smith, said. "We are very excited to support Nicholls and the new Geomatics program."

Tucker said, "The generosity of the Smith family will continue to benefit the students of Nicholls State University for years to come. It is this type of support from the community that allows Nicholls to continue to grow and expand its educational offerings."

In 1913, T. Baker Smith founded the engineering and surveying firm that later became T. Baker Smith and Son, Inc. in Houma. Today, the company offers services ranging from civil engineering, surveying, mapping, environmental services, records and information management and hydrographics.

The $60,000 donation will be matched with $40,000 from the Louisiana Board of Regents Support Fund to create a $100,000 endowment that will allow the university to recognize a distinguished scholar whose past achievements have added significantly to his or her field of expertise.

A plaque recognizing the professorship will be placed on the Wall of Honor located in the Donald G. Bollinger Memorial Student Union.

Individuals or organizations interested in establishing an endowed fund to benefit Nicholls State University students or faculty should contact the NSU Office of Development at (985) 448-4010.

(for photo, go to: http://www.nicholls.edu/news/2003/photo138.jpg) PHOTO: The Smith family of Houma recently established a $100,000 endowed professorship in Geomatics and Surveying at Nicholls State University. Pictured at the check presentation from left are NSU Director of Development Dr. Rebecca L. Tucker, University President Donald J. Ayo, Kenny Smith, Sheri Smith, William Clifford Smith, and Jo-Anne Smith.