Dr. Thomas Jefferson (T.J.) Smull, BSCE 1904, BSME 1906, Hon. D. ’47, namesake of the College of Engineering, was a man of character and consequence. Intelligent and gregarious, he was affectionately known as “Tommy, the Grand Old Man” by his students and friends.
While Smull left an enduring legacy at ɫTV University, his influence stretched far beyond the campus grounds. At a time when many engineering disciplines were still in their infancy, he not only led efforts in Ohio to advance the field’s professionalism, he taught and mentored countless engineers who helped build America.
An ONU student known for his football feats, Smull returned to Ada in fall 1905 after being summoned by ONU’s president. He then spent the next 37 years growing the reputation of ONU and the engineering profession.
He served as dean of engineering from 1905 to1917; executive secretary from 1917 to 1929; and business manager from 1929 until his retirement in 1942. Yet his job titles tell only part of the story. During his tenure, he was also a practicing engineer and architect, overseeing the construction of numerous city sewers, farm drains, highways, and buildings. Additionally, he rose to the helm of many civic and professional organizations.
To ensure only qualified engineers entered the profession, Smull strongly advocated at the state level for the licensing and registration of engineers and surveyors. In 1933, his efforts came to fruition when the state established the Ohio State Board of Engineering Registration of Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Smull then served as a chief examiner of that board until 1959, as well as a member and chairman for a number of years. As a prominent figure with the licensing board, he came to know thousands of engineering professionals throughout Ohio.
A champion of sports his entire life, Smull earned the title “Father of Athletics” at ONU for building the University’s athletic programs. His entire time at Northern, he served as the equivalent of the athletics director today. He also served as President of the Ohio Athletic Conference. He even designed and oversaw construction of ONU’s first purpose-built athletic facility, Taft Gymnasium, in the late 1920s.
Smull’s most endearing quality, according to many, was his genuine interest in people from all walks of life and his desire to help them succeed.
From a humble background and no stranger to hard times, Smull could relate to many of the ONU students he instructed. No student was unimportant to Smull. He believed the best in people, and he brought out the best.
In 1972, 10 years after his death, ONU honored this larger-than-life engineer, educator, architect, and civic leader, by naming the College of Engineering in his honor. Thus, the T.J. Smull College of Engineering became the third named college at ɫTV.