History of the Centre

The Technology Management and Entrepreneurship (TME) program was initially established in 1988 within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of New Brunswick in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The intent was to meet a perceived need for providing training in business management skills to engineers and others with an interest or background in technology, particularly those in an entrepreneurial environment. The training was to involve a formal diploma program and more informal training through direct liaison with industry. Interest was expected from graduate engineers and other professionals in the applied sciences already in the workforce and from students, primarily engineering, in the later years of the undergraduate programs.

Soon after the ACOA Chair was established, UNB Alumnus, Dr. J. Herbert Smith expressed his intentions about a bequest that he wished to make to the University. It became apparent that the wishes of Dr. Smith were a natural match with the objectives and aims that had been set out for the Chair in Technology Management and Entrepreneurship and the monies endowed were directed toward the establishment of The Dr. J. Herbert Smith Centre. The Chair will be funded in perpetuity by Dr. Smith's bequest, the largest in UNB's history.

Founder Dr. J. Herbert Smith

Dr. Smith graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at UNB in 1932 and went to work for Canada General Electric. He spent his entire engineering career with CGE, rising to President and Chief Executive Officer in 1957. He served fifteen years as top man of CGE. His words and wisdom are some of the guiding principles in the Centre today.

Dr. Smith, an inspirational intrapreneur, passed away on October 16, 1995 at his home in Toronto, Ontario. His years of industry experience and insightful observations on the future of the engineering profession in business and management will long be valued by the University of New Brunswick and the Centre that bears his name.

Past Chairholders

Dr. Alan Y. McLean, P. Eng. - Dr. J. Herbert Smith Chair (1988-1994)
Prof. Barry G. Bisson, P. Eng., MBA - Dr. J. Herbert Smith Chair (1994-2005)
Prof. Linda Bulmer, M.Sc.,P. Eng. - Dr. J. Herbert Smith Chair (2005-2009)