MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois Athletics is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Helen Smiley, former Director of Athletics, who passed away on Friday, July 11, in Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Smiley, who led the Leathernecks from 1994 to 2001, was a pioneering figure in collegiate athletics whose legacy continues to resonate.
Dr. Smiley first joined Western Illinois in 1985 as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women—a position she held until 1988. She then served as Director of Athletics for Operations before being named the full Director of Athletics in 1994. Under her leadership, Western experienced some of its most successful athletic years.
A trailblazer in the field, Dr. Smiley's impact extended well beyond Macomb. She was the inaugural Director of Women's Athletics at the University of Iowa and later Associate Athletics Director at the University of North Dakota. In 2000, she was named NACDA/Continental Airlines Athletic Director of the Year. The Summit League's annual Women's All‑Sports Award was named in her honor, a testament to her enduring influence.
"Dr. Smiley served Western during some of the best collegiate athletic times in our history," said current Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb. "I had the privilege of knowing her and have nothing but the highest respect for the time she spent here leading the Leathernecks."
"She was a very good administrator, she was very knowledgeable, cared about her staff and the players," said Dwaine Roche, former Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and Development at Western (1986-2010). "Under her leadership Western was very successful, winning many awards and championships. You could tell she cared about her people, she was a very kind, caring, personable person, and was just a neat person to work for."
Dr. Smiley was inducted into the Western Illinois Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010, after graduating from DePauw University in 1960 and earning advanced degrees from Ball State and the University of Iowa. She was later enshrined in The Summit League Hall of Fame in 2018.
"As one of the first women to lead an FCS athletic department, Helen Smiley was a pioneer for many women who followed in her footsteps." shared Patty Viverito, former commissioner of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (formerly the Gateway Conference), "She was a devoted leader for Western Illinois, a key contributor to the success of our football conference and a dear friend."
In accordance with the expressed wishes of Dr. Smiley, a private remembrance ceremony will be held exclusively for close family members, allowing them a quiet and intimate space to honor and reflect on her life and legacy.
