Robert B. Smith was born in Philadelphia in July of 1937. His early schooling was completed in Portland, Oregon and Vista, California. In 1958 he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Wheaton College. A year later he married his wife Adele. In 1962 he obtained his Ph.D in Organic Chemistry from the University of California, Berkley. From 1961-66 he taught the University of Nevada, Los Vegas. He was appointed as the chairman of the Physical Science department 1966-68 where he also served as chairman of Chemistry department 1966-68. He served as the faculty advisor to the chemistry club 1967-69. His philosophy of the purpose of a college was put into effect, that the central business of a college is learning, and it occurs when a person is motivated by a need to know. In 1968  he was appointed Dean of the College of Science, Mathematics and Engineering, as he maintained his position of professor of chemistry, until appointed Academic Affairs Vice President of Weber State University in January 1981. Dr. Smith was the third Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Provost was added to the title during his term. During his tenure Dr. Smith updated the technology at the school: registration was computerized and computers were brought to the campus. He changed class time from on the hour to the half hour. He helped create the Ogden-Weber Applied Technical College. He served as acting president of Weber State during the summer of 1985 between President Rodney Brady leaving and Stephen Nadauld starting as the new president. The First Year Experience was implemented for freshman students as part of the retention plan. There was a mission review that updated the school mission and required that all projects, programs, and decisions reflect the mission statement. He retired from Weber State in 1996. He moved to Idyllwild, California where he writes historical and non-ficition papers and books and helps with a local archives and museum.