10/07/2026
To the University Community,
Our community suffered a tragic loss this week. Associate Professor Dustin Smith, 40, passed away this week at his St. Louis home. No foul play is suspected. Dustin was a valued member of our faculty in the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology. Serving as an academic counselor to many and as a liaison between the Walker School and local businesses and organizations, he helped connect students with internships. He taught a wide range of management courses with a focus on corporate social responsibility and business strategy, including the Business Policy and Strategy senior capstone and Human Resource Management. He touched the lives of many of our students and alumni.
We know this news is especially hard for Dustin's students. If you are in one of his classes, please attend this week. The University is working with faculty to assign professors to step in. We will share our plans for moving forward and make sure you have the support you need.
Counseling services are available for all students, faculty, and staff through Protocall and TogetherAll, as well as services available on the main campus. We encourage anyone who may be struggling to take advantage of these resources and to connect with members of our Webster community.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dustin's family, friends, students and colleagues. He will be deeply missed.
Michael Hulsizer
Provost
Sam Dotson
Dean, George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology
