Biography

Dr. Paula Smith serves as Executive Vice President of the University of the Southwest, providing executive leadership for the university’s financial operations while advancing key strategic initiatives during a period of institutional transition. As chief financial responsibilities transition to new leadership, Dr. Smith continues to ensure strong fiscal stewardship, operational sustainability, and long-term strategic alignment. She works closely with university leadership to position USW for continued growth, mission fulfillment, and service to the region.

A licensed Certified Public Accountant with more than 30 years of executive and entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Smith began her career as an auditor with KPMG LLP in Fort Worth, Texas, after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Tarleton State University. Following her relocation to Hobbs, she served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Watson Truck & Supply, Inc., where she led financial strategy and operational planning. She later founded and managed her own business ventures, including a financial consulting services firm and a retail shopping center, further deepening her expertise in financial management, business development, and organizational leadership.

Dr. Smith holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and earned her Doctor of Business Administration from the University of the Southwest, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and institutional excellence.

Before joining the executive administration, Dr. Smith served for more than a decade on the University of the Southwest Board of Trustees, providing governance oversight and strategic counsel. As a first-generation college graduate, she is deeply committed to expanding access to higher education and advancing servant leadership principles that empower students to transform their lives and communities.

Beyond her professional leadership, Dr. Smith is a co-founder of MyPower, Inc., which has grown into the largest youth development program in Lea County. She has contributed to numerous community and healthcare initiatives, including the Nor-Lea Community Health Assessment Team, the Covenant Hobbs Advisory Council, and the Governor’s Task Force for COVID Safe Practices – Retail.

Dr. Smith and her husband, Finn Smith, a respected business and civic leader in Hobbs, are proud parents of two adult children who were raised and educated in the Hobbs School District and have pursued careers in finance and engineering.