Smith was recognized for his pioneering leadership in the scholarship and practice of learner-centered teaching methods, including active and cooperating learning and integration of research methodologies in education. He also mentors faculty and students in the emerging discipline of engineering education.

The ASEE Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have retired or are near the end of their professional careers for their sustained contributions to education in engineering and/or engineering technology. The contributions may be in teaching, education, research, administration or educational programs or professional service.

Smith also has been at the University of Minnesota as Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor and professor of civil engineering. His research and development interests include building rigorous research capacity in engineering education; the role of cooperation in learning and design; problem formulation, modeling, and knowledge engineering; and project and knowledge management. His bachelor's and master's degrees are in metallurgical engineering from Michigan Technological University and his PhD is in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota.