[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1837] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF JOSEPH C. ``PAPA JOE'' SMIDDY ______ HON. RICK BOUCHER of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Mr. BOUCHER. Madam Speaker, Joseph C. ``Papa Joe'' Smiddy is truly a legend in southwest Virginia and beyond. Known for his folksy humor, Dr. Smiddy is widely revered for his endeavors on behalf of the University of Virginia's College at Wise (formerly known as Clinch Valley College), the college that he guided through its infancy and through years of growth as it became the outstanding institution of higher learning that it is today. Before Clinch Valley College was established in 1954, there were no public colleges in Virginia west of Radford, which made higher education out of reach for most residents of southwest Virginia. The only 4-year, state-supported college in far southwest Virginia, the University of Virginia's College at Wise is also the only branch of the University of Virginia in southwest Virginia. Under Dr. Smiddy's tutelage, the college became a 4-year institution in 1970 with the awarding of Bachelor of Arts degrees. Bachelor of Science degrees were awarded in 1973, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing were first awarded in 1996. U.S. News & World Report ranks the college as one of the south's top public liberal arts colleges. Dr. Smiddy's name and efforts will forever be linked to the success of the University of Virginia's College at Wise. A native of Jellico, Tennessee, Dr. Joseph C. Smiddy began his career as an educator as a biology and chemistry teacher and band director. Later, he became a high school principal in Lee County, Virginia, after honorably serving his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II in New Caledonia and the Philippines. Dr. Smiddy was the first biology instructor at Clinch Valley College in 1954, continuing to teach there until 1984. He served as dean and director of the college before being named chancellor in 1968. Dr. Smiddy was forward-thinking in admitting African-American students to the college at a time when not many others were, and Clinch Valley College was co- educational a decade before the University of Virginia admitted women. Since his retirement in 1985, Dr. Smiddy has continued to serve as ambassador for the University of Virginia's College at Wise and to work tirelessly on its behalf. Because of his efforts, innumerable students who would otherwise not have been able to do so have acquired a college education. The numerous awards which Dr. Smiddy has received include the University of Virginia's College at Wise Alumni Association's Meritorious Achievement Award, the Wise County Outstanding Citizen Award, the Wise County Outstanding Educator Award, and the Kanto Award. He has been included in the Virginia Hall of Fame, and in 1981, he was named a laureate of the Virginia Cultural Laureate Center. Dr. Smiddy has received honorary doctorates from Lincoln Memorial University, his alma mater (1970); the University of Richmond (1975); and The College of William and Mary (1985). Dr. Smiddy recently achieved an important milestone by celebrating his ninetieth birthday. He remains a vibrant member of the community of Wise where he lives with his wife, Reba. His daughter, the Honorable Elizabeth Smiddy Wills, is a juvenile and domestic relations court judge for the 30th judicial district of Virginia. His son, Dr. Joe Frank Smiddy, M.D., is a pulmonologist in Kingsport, Tennessee. An active Kiwanian for decades, Dr. Smiddy is also a lifetime deacon of Wise Baptist Church. He uses his gifts as musician and storyteller to share the music and history of the Appalachian Mountains with others not only in Virginia but across the United States and in several foreign countries. His renown as an educator will forever endear Joseph C. Smiddy to the citizens of far southwest Virginia and to all those whose lives have been touched by the institution to which he has dedicated himself, the University of Virginia's College at Wise. ____________________