Tributes have been paid to a university professor who "refused to give up" despite being paralysed.
Computer scientist and education hero Professor Peter Smith, who dedicated more than four decades to the University of Sunderland, has died aged 68.
Prof Smith inspired countless students through lectures, academic papers, and PhD supervision.
Even after a fall at home in 2016 left him paralysed from the neck down and in need of 24-hour care, he continued to teach online and supervise students worldwide.
Kevin Petrie, Professor of Creative Practice at the University, said: "Peter was a great mentor and inspiration for me.
"Whenever I saw him, Peter’s zest for life and positivity was a great inspiration."
Born and raised in Sunderland, Prof Smith's academic journey began at Sunderland Polytechnic, now the University of Sunderland.
He graduated in 1978 with a combined studies degree in Science, majoring in Computing and Mathematics.
He soon became a lecturer, rapidly rising through the ranks to become a professor of computing in 1992.
The father of three held the position of Dean of Computing and Engineering for 10 years before resuming his role as professor.
He retired in 2013, earning the title of Emeritus Professor.
Despite his life-changing accident, Prof Smith refused to give up.
He continued his academic work with the help of technology, supervising more than 60 PhD and professional doctorate students and examining over 50 PhD students at universities in the UK, Spain, Ireland, India, and Hong Kong.
His influence extended beyond academia and he was involved in several projects that promoted the use of computers among Sunderland residents.
In 2007, he was part of a team that secured £3.5 million from the national Digital Challenge competition to implement plans for a digitally enabled community in Sunderland.
Prof Smith's 'vast knowledge and dedication' were recognised when he was made a Fellow of the British Computer Society and several other prestigious societies.
He was also a chartered engineer, scientist, mathematician, manager, and statistician.
He published more than 300 books, papers, and articles across a range of topics, including computer science, management, and his other passion, music.
University of Sunderland Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Sir David Bell, said: "Peter Smith was University of Sunderland through-and-through.
Read more:
- 'Much loved' County Durham music festival to go ahead despite national cancellations
-
Rare seabirds return to North East beach as public urged to help protect them
-
This 'glorious' highest-rated North Yorkshire beach is a 'very special place'
"As well as being an outstanding academic and a great family man, Peter was an inspiration to many, including those who witnessed his managing the aftermath of his catastrophic accident in 2016.
"The University will be a poorer place without Peter Smith.
"We mourn his passing and express our deepest condolences to his family and all those, worldwide, who knew and respected him."
Share