CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State College Athletic Director Joel R. Smith announced he will retire, as announced by CSC Athletics Tuesday.

Smith, who was the commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference for 12 years, has been CSC's athletic director since 2013. Effective immediately, Associate Athletic Director Ted Tewahade will assume additional supervisory duties. Chadron State College President Ron K. Patterson said he intends to hire an Interim Athletic Director and conduct a national search for Smith's permanent replacement soon.

"Chadron State College has been a wonderful place to work and live," Smith said. "We were able to accomplish a fair amount during my time at CSC and I'm proud of everything the student-athletes, coaches, and teams accomplished."

Smith oversaw the construction of the Chicoine Center, a Track and Field Complex, and Beebe Stadium, as well as initiating an annual scholarship banquet, When Eagles Dare.

Prior to working at CSC and the RMAC, he was the Director of Athletics at Fort Lewis College and the Assistant Athletic Director at Metropolitan State University of Denver.