The administrator who led the project that earned Ball State University the title of No. 1 wireless campus in the nation announced Thursday that he will step down from his position.
O'Neal Smitherman, executive assistant for President Jo Ann Gora and vice president for Information Technology, said after working at Ball State since 2001 his last day will be Nov. 1.
Smitherman said he took a job offer to be the executive vice president for the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Ala.
"Actually, it has been a very difficult decision for me," he said. "It certainly showed up to be a very interesting opportunity. It's the most cutting-edge international research in genetics and genomics."
Smitherman said he received the job offer several weeks ago, but it took time to decide whether he wanted to leave Ball State.
"I have had incredibly mixed feelings about this," he said. "This is such an exciting opportunity, but I feel Ball State is part of my family. My experience here at Ball State I know will never be matched."
Smitherman said Hudson Alpha has three goals, which are conducting research, promoting economic development and promoting education in the field of genetics.
The institute works to identify the human genome, he said.
"They identify specific genes that have to do with disease," he said. "They're even determining what types of drugs are appropriate for treatments."
Smitherman said his colleagues at Ball State were what made it enjoyable to work at the university.
"My whole career here has been one incredibly positive experience," he said. "From the first year I was here, I've had the opportunity to work with some really great people."
According to a press statement, Gora said Smitherman is responsible for promoting Ball State's digital advancements.
"[Smitherman's] contributions to information technology have helped Ball State earn national recognition as America's number one wireless campus," Gora said. "He has helped champion a number of digital initiatives and played a key role in the university earning [awards for Ball State's technology]."
Phil Repp, associate vice president for information technology, said he will be Smitherman's interim replacement.
Repp said he's worked with Smitherman since 2001, and it will be difficult to see him leave.
"He's been a major force on the university with technology," he said. "I hope to carry out most of the initiatives he's started."
Repp said Smitherman is responsible for the development of the Integrated Technologies department.
"I think you have to remember when he came here, IT was a brand new division," Repp said. "Within a few months, he had us all captivated."
Gora said the university will miss Smitherman but she thinks the university's technological advancements will persevere without him.
"It will be tough to see [Smitherman] leave, but I'm confident our technology initiatives are in good hands and we will continue to be a national model in this realm," she said.
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