News

Professor F V Smith - pioneer of Psychology

(20 July 2006)

It is with deep regret that the University has learnt of the death of Professor Fred Smith.

Professor Smith joined the Department of Education at Durham in 1950 as Professor of Educational Psychology before becoming the first professor in the new Psychology Department in 1952. Under his direction and guidance, the department became established as a leading centre for teaching and research in Psychology in the United Kingdom, and it was provided with fine new purpose-built premises in 1970. When he retired in 1977, the main lecture theatre in this building was named the F V Smith Lecture Theatre in appreciation of his career. His interest in psychology was wide-ranging and the respect in which he was held by his peers led to his being elected Fellow of the British Psychological Society, of which he was President from 1959-1960. After retiring, Professor Smith returned to his native Australia where he died on 6 July. He was 94. Professor John Findlay said of Professor Smith: “His dedication to the development of his department was unquestionably the strongest driving force in his career, and his far-sighted planning has left an enduring legacy that many have appreciated.”