 Smith went on to become instructor in 1905, assistant professor in 1908, associate professor in 1912 and then, in 1915, full professor of Old Testament language and literature.Neither Chicago Theological Seminary nor Meadville Theological School made provisions for their own professors of Old Testament, as they were more than content to rely upon the excellent teaching provided by Smith.Smith also served as an editorial secretary of the "Biblical World" and was made the editor of the "American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literatures" in 1915.