Bill L. Smith, director of the Martin Institute and Program in International Studies, claims to have the best job on UI's campus. A historian by training, he finds the combination of fields of study embodied in the International Studies degree fits his interests perfectly, prompting him to embrace the interdisciplinary program wholeheartedly. He says that one of the great things about working with the Institute and Martin School (as well as the affiliated Borah Foundation) is the chance to study new topics every year, which is a rare treat for an academic. He points to the uncommonly engaged and consistently excellent students affiliated with the Martin Institute as one of the true joys in life.

Hired by the Institute in 2000, Smith lives in Pullman with his wife, Kaari, and daughters Bailey and Kasey. He has lived in Mexico, Portugal, and Spain in addition to his native California. In his spare time he enjoys reading, playing games with his family, gardening and playing, watching and discussing both international soccer and major league soccer.

• The United Nations System
• Soccer and Politics
• Multilateral Policy Formulation
• Undergraduate Research

• Mentor, AMPLIFY Project, Pacific Council, 2022
• Media Analyst, Ad Fontes Media, 2020
• Advisor, International Affairs Club
• Advisor, International Soccer Club

• Career Impact Award (UI Career Services, 2023)
• Honored Professor, UI-WSU Navy ROTC Detachment (2021, 2019, 2016)
• P1FCU Faculty Award, (2016)
• Excellence in Teaching (UI, 2016)
• Excellence in Collaborative or Interdisciplinary Efforts (UI, 2010)
• Excellence in Advising (UI, 2008)
• ASUI Outstanding Faculty Award (UI, 2014)
• Alumni Awards for Excellence (UI, more than 48 since 2008)