Rio Boards Extend President Ryan Smith’s Contract as Momentum Builds

The Boards of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College have extended President Ryan Smith’s contract for an additional five years, a decision University Board Chair Jim Morrison described as a reflection of strong leadership and continued progress.

“President Smith has provided steady, visionary leadership that has guided Rio through a period of tremendous progress and change,” said Morrison. “The decision of both boards to extend his contract reflects our confidence in his ability to continue moving the institution forward and to strengthen its mission of serving students and the region.”

A Deep Commitment to Southern Ohio 

A lifelong resident of the region, Smith joined Rio in 2019 following eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives. His commitment to southern Ohio has guided his career in both public service and higher education. Ryan and his wife, Vicki, a Rio graduate, have raised their family in Gallia County and continue to call it home. His understanding of the region’s unique challenges and opportunities has shaped his philosophy that education, community engagement, and economic development must work hand in hand to create lasting impact.

Smith’s vision is one where Rio acts as a hub for education, innovation, and collaboration, which will empower southern Ohio to meet challenges head-on while nurturing the next generation of leaders. Through his dedication, the university has become a center for both learning and community advancement, reflecting his commitment to the people and future of southern Ohio.

Transforming Campus and Expanding Access

Soon after assuming the presidency, Smith led Rio through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a defining moment for colleges nationwide. Under his leadership, Rio emerged with renewed focus and a course for the future.

In early 2021, trustees approved Smith’s Tuition Affordability Plan, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to providing an accessible, high-quality education. The plan simplified tuition and housing costs while expanding student support services designed to improve success and retention.

To meet the growing needs of students, the Rhodes Student Center was renovated, and a new apartment-style housing complex was added to campus. Since then, Rio has seen remarkable transformation and growth across nearly every part of the institution. Enrollment has reached record highs, with more than 2,600 students enrolled in Fall 2025, the largest student body in Rio’s 149-year history.

The biggest growth has been in Rio’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program. The total enrollment has more than doubled in recent years, from 365 students in 2021, to 893 students this fall. Rio has also experienced a sharp growth in international students, with a jump from 100 to 311 in the same timeframe. 

Smith quietly launched a Thrive Scholarship program, which aims to support students who may not otherwise be able to attend college, by addressing financial constraints and putting them in an environment with other students to help them succeed. Recipients are often first-generation college students, who are interested in furthering their education but are limited by social or financial restraints. 

“These accomplishments reflect Rio’s commitment to students and the region,” said Mick Davenport, Board Chair of the Community College. “From modern housing and student support to expanding access through CCP and regional centers, Rio continues to grow while staying true to its mission of providing a high quality, high-value education to students in southern Ohio.”

And Rio continues to take steps to meet the needs of the region. Earlier this year, Rio’s Pike Center opened its doors, bringing higher education and CCP opportunities to Pike County. A new multi-use center in McArthur, funded by a $12 million state grant, will provide workforce training and higher education opportunities to the region beginning in early 2026.

Academic Success and Campus Life

Academic innovation continues to drive Rio’s mission. The university recently reduced tuition for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program by 30 percent to help address Ohio’s growing healthcare workforce needs. Rio was recognized in the 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs Ranking in America, released by Research.com. Meanwhile, Rio’s Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs achieved 100 percent licensure pass rates, underscoring the institution’s focus on quality and student success.

Nearly one-third of Rio’s student population consists of student-athletes. Campus life and community spirit have been enriched through the addition of football, marching band, archery, Esports, bass fishing, dance, and men’s and women’s wrestling. Earlier this year, in just its second year of competition, the RedStorm Archery team captured the 2025 USA Archery Collegiate 3D National Championship. Head Coach Jonathan Clemins, who also serves as Team USA’s Paralympic Archery Head Coach, is one of many examples of the high-caliber individuals helping drive Rio’s success.

“The people make the difference,” President Smith said. “When you surround yourself with talented, mission-driven individuals who care deeply about our students and our community, you create the kind of momentum that changes everything.”

Community Partnerships and Economic Growth

In 2023, Rio, in collaboration with the Gallia County Commissioners, the Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation, Holzer Health System, and Ohio Valley Bank, created an Economic Development Director position to promote regional business and economic growth.

Partnerships, like the one Rio has with Holzer Health System, provide graduates who are work-force ready, with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their fields. 

Rio's affordability and accessibility allow local students to train close to home, keeping talent in southern Ohio, a vital factor in addressing workforce shortages and ensuring the vitality of rural communities.

The Rio/Holzer collaboration goes beyond just hiring people after they graduate. The partnership helps shape the curriculum, to ensure students are learning what they’ll need in a fast-changing industry.

Smith plans to continue expanding partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions, providing students with unique opportunities for experiential learning while contributing to the area’s growth and development.

Looking Ahead

Together, these changes reflect an institution energized by growth, guided by a clear mission, and deeply connected to the people and communities of southern Ohio. Still, President Smith believes Rio’s greatest progress lies ahead.

“We’re being approached by partners at the local, state, and national levels to help provide solutions to workforce and education challenges,” he said. “There are exciting things on the horizon for Rio. We have opportunities to do things that no one else is doing in Ohio, and in some cases, across the country.”

Since taking the helm at Rio, Smith has focused on aligning the university’s programs with the needs of southern Ohio. He has prioritized partnerships with area schools, businesses, and community organizations, ensuring that Rio is not just an academic institution but a driver of growth and opportunity for the region. Under his leadership, workforce training initiatives, higher education programs, and community-centered projects have expanded, helping local families build skills, advance careers, and strengthen the local economy.