Background
Smith, Grant William was born on July 26, 1937 in Bellingham, Washington, District of Columbia, United States. Son of George Whitfield and Hazel (Speirs) Smith.
English language educator civic fundraiser
Smith, Grant William was born on July 26, 1937 in Bellingham, Washington, District of Columbia, United States. Son of George Whitfield and Hazel (Speirs) Smith.
Bachelor, Reed College, 1964. Master of Arts, University Nevada, 1966. Doctor of Philosophy, University Delaware, 1975.
Assistant professor Eastern Washington University, Cheney, 1968-1976, associate professor, 1976-1979, professor, since 1979. Faculty president Eastern Washington University, Cheney, 1976-1977, chair English department, 1978-1984, acting vice provost, 1987-1988, coordinator humanities, since 1979, director cultural outreach, 1995-1997. Host Public television, Here's Shakespeare, 1980, 81.
Member Washington Board Geography Names, since 1987. Guest editor: NAMES, 1989, ONOMA, 2005. Dissertation research advisor Mukogawa Women's University, Japan, 2007-2008.
With United States Army, 1957-1960.
Chair development Spokane Symphony, 2000—2001. Program chair Council Geo. Names Authorities, 1999.
Moderator Cheney United Church of Christ, 1982—1984. Member Modern Language Association, American Association of University Professors, Placename Survey United States (chair since 1990), Connoisseur Concerts Association (president 1992-1995), American Dialect Society (regional secretary 1982-1998), Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association (program chair 1987, 95), International Council Onomastic Scientists (executive board directors since 1999, vice president 2002-2005, editorial board ONOMA since 2000), International Society Dialectology and Geolinguistics, American Name Society (vice president 1996-1998, president 1999-2001), CenterStage (president 2003-2007), Spokane Dinner Club (vice president 2008-2010, president since 2010).
Married Lelia Dickinson, June 9, 1961. Children: Kathryn, Gavin.