[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1584-E1585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING DR. NOEL SMITH OF WACO, TEXAS, A TRUE UNSUNG HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2002

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Texan, Dr. 
Noel Smith of Waco, who had the vision for an independent public 
television station in Central Texas. Earning a Ph.D. in Distance 
Learning from Texas A&M University, Dr. Smith rose to become the Chair 
of the Telecommunications Department at Central Texas College in Waco, 
where he effectively used his talents as teacher, mentor, and counselor 
to improve the lives of many Texans.
  It was at Central Texas College that Dr. Smith became actively 
involved in his lifelong commitment to KCTF Television. In its early 
days as a stand-alone station, KCTF experienced more problems than 
shining moments. But in 1994, when its owners withdrew support for the 
station, Dr. Smith rallied a committed group of Waco citizens who 
convinced the Chancellor and Trustees of Central Texas College to sell 
them the license.
  Once Dr. Smith's group bought the license, the hard work began. It 
was as though everyone at the station was performing on a high wire 
without a net. Yet somehow, Dr. Smith stayed faithful to the vision of 
creating a community public television station and, thankfully, his 
vision became a reality. Brazos Valley Public Broadcasting, as it was 
now called, was born. KCTF would eventually become KWBU, and KWBU would 
expand to include public radio. Dr. Smith articulated his vision in the 
KWBU Mission Statement:
  ``KWBU shall serve as an essential lifelong resource providing 
quality public television and radio programs and services for the 
enrichment of the lives of the residents of McLennan County.''
  Mr. Speaker, Not many ideas make it from vision to reality. But this 
one has because Noel Smith has worked tirelessly to ensure that public 
television in Central Texas achieves that mission.
  In his professional life, Dr. Noel Smith has held many national 
positions of leadership that have contributed to the growth of public 
broadcasting. He served with distinction on the board of directors of 
the Southern Educational Communications Association, now the National 
Educational Telecommunications Association, and he was a member of the 
PBS Board of Directors. He has used his leadership to effectively 
represent the interests of small market licensees.
  During the course of his career, Dr. Smith has accomplished a 
tremendous amount of

[[Page E1585]]

good. In addition to leading the growth of KWBU, Dr. Noel Smith is an 
ordained Baptist minister, and certainly appreciates the many blessings 
in his life, including a long marriage to his wife Judy, his three 
wonderful daughters and numerous grandchildren.
  This story does not end on the expected happy note. At this writing, 
Noel is very ill. But something of Noel Smith will always be a part of 
KWBU and public broadcasting in Central Texas.
  I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 
life and accomplishments of an unsung hero, Dr. Noel Smith of Waco, 
Texas. The people of my District are better off today because of his 
commitment to turn his vision for public television into reality.

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