Former Nicholas School Board of Visitors member , T鈥74, died on Dec. 16, 2025, in Houston. An oil and gas security analyst, Smith was instrumental in advising the launch of the MEM Energy and Environment concentration.

During Nicholas School field trips to Houston, designed to teach MEM students about the energy industry, Smith served as a guest speaker (and dinner host). Smith also hired multiple MEM students as interns at Triple Double Advisors, his investment and management consulting firm, according to Lincoln Pratson, Gendell Family Professor of Energy and Environment in the Division of Earth and Climate Sciences within the Nicholas School of the Environment.

鈥淚f you didn鈥檛 have the chance to get to know Art, he was super sharp but also a humorous and fun-loving soul who graciously helped create and support NSOE鈥檚 MEM Energy and Environment concentration,鈥 Pratson said. Smith served as a BOV member from 2004-2010.  about Smith鈥檚 legacy.