Hoke Smith, a U.S. Senator from Georgia, is inducted for his sponsorship of legislation supporting agricultural education.

Smith was active in achieving progressive reform legislation to improve rural life, education and natural resource conservation. In 1914, Smith served as Chairman of the Commission on National Aid to Vocational Education. This service resulted in the passage of the Smith-Lever Bill of 1914, which established the federal financial basis of the Cooperative Extension Service in conjunction with Land-Grant colleges and 4-H Club activities.

The Vocational Educational Act of 1917, which Smith co-sponsored, fostered the development of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Smith also helped secure passage of a bill that established the Division of Markets within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Smith was a lawyer and publisher in addition to serving two Senatorial terms in Congress. He was elected Governor of Georgia twice and served as U.S. Secretary of the interior from 1893 to 1896.