After a 32-year career with Lehigh University, John Smeaton, vice provost for Student Affairs, will retire at the end of the 2015-16 academic year.

Over the decades, Smeaton has worked closely with colleagues across the Lehigh community to improve the quality of the student experience while continuing to adapt to an evolving higher education landscape. His efforts -- and those of his staff -- are at the heart of a student's successful Lehigh experience, and are helping to map the course for ongoing progress.

Preparing for retirement is uncharted territory for Smeaton. “It’s kind of that mix of excitement but a little bit of apprehension,” he said.

Smeaton said he’s most looking forward to getting re-involved in the local community and spending time with his young granddaughter. One thing he said he’ll miss about his work is the day to day engagement with Lehigh students.

“We’re making a difference in the lives of our young people,” he said. “It’s more than a job. It’s really about being part of this community and contributing to the growth and development of our students.”

Lehigh's visual storyteller Stephanie Veto spent some time with Smeaton this past semester to gain a sense of his approach to his work.