In Memoriam: Kenneth N. Smith, Professional Photographer for UB Theatre and Dance

In Memoriam: Kenneth N. Smith
Sep. 23, 1963 – Dec. 12, 2025
UB Systems Administrator and Professional Photographer for UB Theatre and Dance, UB Athletics, and the Special Olympics

The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University at Buffalo (THD) extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Kenneth (Ken) Smith as we mourn the loss of an exceptionally talented photographer, systems administrator, and UB employee of more than 40 years.

Ken worked full-time for UB Systems Administration as Manager of Computer Operations and taught courses for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, though he was best known to Theatre and Dance students, faculty, and staff as our Department Photographer from November 2020 through May 2025. An in-demand professional, Ken also photographed for UB Athletics, the Special Olympics, and many others.

Ken joined THD at the height of COVID-19, when the department was producing safety‑controlled performances for online broadcast—some featuring large, wall‑sized protective plastic barriers that made dance productions possible. Relentlessly detailed in his work, Ken would often employ up to five digital cameras on remote controls to capture multiple angles simultaneously.

Over nearly five years, Ken produced more than 110,000 images for over 70 department productions, helping elevate the department’s profile and reputation regionally and nationally as we continue to grow and attract talented students from across the country and around the world.

Ken was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1963. His family moved to Columbus, GA, the year he began high school, and then to Tonawanda, NY, the following year. After graduating from Sweet Home High School, he began his studies at the University at Buffalo as an electrical engineering major and remained at UB for the rest of his life. His student years concluded with a master’s degree in electrical engineering, though he had already begun working as a staff member before completing his degree.

Ken was thoughtful, dependable, and thorough to a fault. The hallways of the UB Center for the Arts basement corridor—home to Dance Studios B82 and B84, the Black Box Theatre, and the Rehearsal Workshops—are filled with giant‑sized renditions of his work. In summer 2025, while Ken was in treatment, he received photos of this display, which he said made his day.

Ken was a kind person who cared deeply about others and used his skills to lift them up—whether researchers and instructors in CSE, Special Olympics athletes, performers, or students he volunteered his spare time to photograph.

A memorial honoring Ken’s life and contributions will be on display in the right‑side case outside the UB Center for the Arts Mainstage Theatre, beginning with this weekend’s Zodiaque Dance Company performances.

Kenneth N. Smith, age 62; beloved father of Julia M. Smith; dear brother of Katherine (Ken) Aiken and Keith (Diane) Smith; cherished uncle of Kassidy, Jonathan, Robert, and Kooper. Kenneth recently celebrated a 40‑year career with the University at Buffalo as Manager of Computer Operations for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Please share condolences with Ken’s family at: https://www.amigone.com/obituaries/Kenneth-N-Smith?obId=46680047