Dean Steven R. Smith (1988-1996) came to Cleveland-Marshall from having served as the first Deputy Director of the Association of American Law Schools. During his deanship the faculty expanded, curricular offerings increased, and several innovative programs created. Of particular interest to Dean Smith was health law, and the CSU|LAW health law program grew in quality with specialty programs including the Medical Institute for Law Faculty (in cooperation with the Cleveland Clinic). During this time the funding was secured, and construction began for the major law school building expansion. Dean Smith served on many boards of bar and nonprofit organizations, including chair of the City Club of Cleveland. He was on several committees of the ABA and Association of American Law Schools, and was the public member of the American Psychological Association Ethics Committee. He has written widely in health law, mental health law, and legal education. He has received many awards for teaching, research, and community service. In 1996 he became dean and president of the California Western School of Law in San Diego, serving in that position until 2012. He served as chair of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, and chair of the San Diego Foundation. He and wife Lera, now reside in San Diego.