For release: February 21, 2011
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

Jeannie Smith

After nine years as a state auditor in Mississippi, Smith joined the U of M as a senior cost accountant in 1993 and was later promoted to the manager of Financial Reporting. In March 1997, she became director of Physical Plant business operations, where she managed functions relating to finance, business, training, human resources, and industrial safety. She was responsible for the operating budget and capital budgets in excess of $100 million.  

As a core leadership team member, Smith directed the acquisition of rental property for the University, led the Physical Plant team in developing and implementing the customer service work order system, and helped Physical Plant win numerous quality awards. 

In her subsequent role as U of M controller, she directed all financial activities of the University, including appropriate federal, state, and local regulatory and reporting requirements.  She also provided supervision and leadership to financial reporting, general accounting, grants and contracts accounting, and fiscal control activities.

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Mississippi State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers.