Matt G. Smith

About Matt G. Smith

Senior business leader and licensed attorney with extensive expertise across the full sponsored project life cycle. I bring a strategic, operations-focused mindset to research administration with a strong track record leading institutional initiatives in industry-sponsored research, community-engaged partnerships, and global collaborations. Passionate about the transformative potential of AI, I also serve as a forward-looking architect of operational AI solutions that enhance efficiency, compliance, and innovation in research enterprises.

Experience

1. Assistant Vice President, Research Enterprise Services

   Boise State University Research & Economic Development

   May 2023 — Present · Boise, ID, US

   As a senior leader in research administration, I oversee Boise State’s Research Enterprise Services (RES), guiding strategy, operations, compliance, and growth across a complex $4.3M central research office. My work is rooted in building scalable systems, supporting compliance at every level, and creating a forward-thinking research environment that empowers innovation, collaboration, and excellence.OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIPI lead a high-performing team of approximately 40 employees across sponsored programs, systems, and analytics, and mentor unit directors and drive continuous improvement across all RES operations. I stay ahead of regulatory changes, implement best practices, and solve high-stakes operational challenges—all while ensuring strategic alignment and fiscal stewardship.Key responsibilities include- Executive oversight of RES units, staff development, and operational resilience- Strategic policy modernization and infrastructure enhancement, including IT systems; and- Designing and implementing formal career paths for all RES functional area teams.STRATEGIC UNIVERSITY IMPACTI provide institution-wide leadership that integrates research administration with emerging technologies, compliance, and cross-sector partnerships. From AI implementation to international research collaboration, I help shape Boise State’s research trajectory by aligning operational excellence with strategic vision.Highlights include- AI strategy and implementation across the university through AI Coordinating Committee participation and leadership on subcommittees involving faculty and staff adoption- Developing AI tools (Bolstering Research Administration with Intelligent Systems (BRAINS)) to support research administration operations inside and outside the university (https://broncolearn.boisestate.edu/browse/allcourses/ott/brains)- Master agreement negotiations with industry and government partners; and- Building international research collaborations.

Education

• University of Idaho College of Law

  Doctor of Law - JD, Law

  2005 — 2008

• Boise State University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

  2002 — 2004

• Boise State University

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, International Business

  2000 — 2002