Gary L. “Bud” Smith was born September 17, 1942 to Nola & Clyde Smith in Cushing, Oklahoma. He graduated from Cushing High School in 1960. He married the love of his life, Jan Martin, on July 12, 1963. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, attended graduate school at the University of Oklahoma, and graduated from the College of Business Management Institute at the University of Kentucky in 1972. Gary served as Director of Internal Audits for the University of Oklahoma until he was promoted to Vice President of Administrative Affairs for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center until leaving in 1988. Gary then went on to serve as Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer for the Oklahoma State Regents. During his tenure he played an active role in implementing significant reforms in the higher education system. Gary was instrumental in developing OneNet the first statewide telecommunication network. For his exemplary and innovative service of 32 years to Oklahoma Higher Education he was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2007. Gary served on the Board of Directors, Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society. He retired August 31, 2000. Gary was presented with a resolution from the Oklahoma State Senate, June 28, 2000 for his many accomplishments in public service. Gary served as Elder for his church, Fellowship Bible Church, Harrah, Oklahoma for numerous years. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Nola & Clyde Smith, his loving wife, Jan Smith, and sister Marcia Shaw. He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Mike & Denice Smith of Newalla, his daughter and son in law, Jill & Doug McCullar of Choctaw, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, nephews and many great friends.
