By JULIE DUVALL
L. Douglas Smoot, dean of the College of Engineering and Technology for almost two decades, was honored at a portrait unveiling in the Crabtree Technology Building Wednesday.
“The only difference between this and my funeral is that they asked me to say a few words at the end,” joked Smoot on the tributes given to him by President Merrill J. Bateman and longtime colleague Jae R. Ballif at Smoot’s portrait presentation.
Preisdent Bateman said enrollment in the College of Engineering and Technology tripled during Smoot’s service as a dean between 1977 and 1994.
“BYU has received national recognition because (Smoot) created a reputation for the University and his college,” Bateman said.
Smoot began with a dream of what he would like the College of Engineering and Technology to become. Through hard work he was able to attain his goal, according to Ballif.
“He is the most effective organizer and delegator I know,” Ballif said. “He wanted others to do what he did, not what he said.”
After his portrait was unveiled, Smoot had the opportunity to conclude what he called a “special but embarrassing” event.
“There is no place on earth where I’d rather be spending my working hours,” Smoot said. “I love BYU because of a deep sense of conviction from the sacrifices my ancestors made to build it, because of a great love of Provo, because of the church which sponsors this university and because of my love of teaching and of the students.
Smoot served as a stake president during much of the time he served as a dean. He later became a regional representative and is currently serving as an area authority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
