Martin School Inducts Hall of Famer, Honors Distinguished Alum

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2015) — The University of Kentucky's Martin School of Public Policy and Administration tonight will add one member to its Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame and honor one of its distinguished graduates. The annual Alumni and Friends Reception takes place at the Hilary J. Boone Center on the UK campus.

Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame inductee

Albert P. Smith Jr., known to generations of Kentuckians as Al Smith, is a dedicated journalist, columnist, author, editor, publisher, and television host. Perhaps best known across the state as the founding host and producer of KET's Comment on Kentucky, Smith also was appointed as federal co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission, serving under Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He also helped found the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, and is co-founder of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, which is based on the UK campus. Smith has chaired a variety of boards, including the Kentucky Arts Council, Leadership Kentucky, and the Kentucky Press Association. He remains active in community, state, and national issues. Smith lives in Lexington with his wife, Martha Helen Smith.

Martin School Distinguished Alumnus Award winner

John T. Hicks has served in Kentucky's state government for over 30 years, 24 of those with the State Budget Office. Since 2005, Hicks has been the deputy state budget director for the Commonweatlh of Kentucky. He manages the budget and support staff in the office and oversees much of the development and execution processes. On the national scene, Hicks served as president of the National Association of Budget Officers (NASBO) in 2011-12. He is the only person to receive both of NASBO's top honors, the George A. Bell Award and the Gloria Timmer Award. Hicks, who earned His Master of Public Administration degree from the Martin School, and his wife of 31 years, Sue, have two children, Stephen and Elizabeth.

Martin School Interim Director Merl Hackbart said, "With these well-deserved and very special recognitions of Al Smith and John Hicks, the Martin School honors itself. Both of these gentlemen personify a spirit of community engagement and public service which we strive to develop in our students each and every day."

MEDIA CONTACT: Carl Nathe, 859-257-3200.