COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State Athletics is about to have a new leader for the first time in almost 20 years as Athletic Director Gene Smith is retiring after this weekend. 

What You Need To Know

• Gene Smith is retiring after 39 years as an athletic director, including 19 at Ohio State


• Under Smith's tenure OSU has won 32 team and 117 individual NCAA championships as well as 115 team and 369 individual Big Ten Championships


• Smith says he's most proud of changing the culture of the classroom for student athletes


• Smith is moving to Arizona after his retirement, but hopes to still keep tabs on the Bucks from afar

After 39 years as an athletic director, including 19 at Ohio State, Smith is saying goodbye as the leader of OSU Athletics and his prolific career.

“There’s just so many student athletes whose names just run through my head," Smith said, as he reflects on his career.

In those years, Smith has seen the Buckeyes win 32 team and 117 individual NCAA championships.

During Smith's 19 years OSU has won 32 team and 117 individual NCAA championships as well as 115 team and 369 individual Big Ten Championships. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“Of course, the football championship was huge, and did so many other championships," Smith said. "You know, the wrestling championship was significant.”

But the thing Smith is most proud of is the change in culture in the classroom for student athletes.

Smith hugs Keith Diebler, OSU's men's basketball head coach's dad. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“I'm proud of a lot of things, but, most proud that we've changed the culture with our student athletes," he said. "We recruit character, we recruit athletes who want to compete in the classroom.”

In 2005, 324 student athletes maintained a 3.0 GPA. This year, it’s up to 811. And while Smith leaves behind quite a legacy, he says the hardest part about leaving is not seeing the student-athletes each day.

Smith is often seen on the sidelines of football games and other OSU athletic events. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“I think it’ll probably be more emotional as I follow our teams from afar. It'll just be new for me," he said. "I won't be able to just, you know, say, 'oh, we got a tennis match today. I'm gonna run over or, you know, we got a swimming meet or whatever.'”

Smith and his wife are moving to Arizona after his retirement to be closer to family and allow new AD Ross Bjork to make his own decisions. But Smith is hopeful to see his Buckeyes out west.

Ross Bjork takes over as AD on July 1. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“Fiesta Bowl holds the quarter final this year in football," Smith said. "So, you know, fingers crossed."

Smith, a Cleveland native, says finishing his career in his home state has been the honor of his life.

“To be able to end my career in a state that I grew up in, it means a great deal to me," he said. "I love Ohio, will always love Ohio. You know, I’ll slide back into Ohio at the right times.”