Marie Smith Davidson, a long-time faculty member and administrator, died on October 28 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was 85 years old.
Dr. Davidson earned a master’s degree in psychiatry and a doctorate in human development from the University of Maryland. She joined the College of Education at the University of Maryland in 1971. Dr. Davidson represented the college on the Graduate Council, General Research Board, and several campus-wide search committees. In 1978, she served as the acting associate dean for graduate students and research before becoming the assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1982. After six years, she went on to become the executive assistant and then chief of staff to the university president, William E. Kirwan.
Dr. Davidson formally retired from the University of Maryland in 2000 but remained active with the College of Education, serving on the Center for Young Children Special Study Commission and as a member of the college’s board of visitors. The university established the Marie Smith Davidson Scholarship, which supports undergraduate transfer students who major in early childhood education.