Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Benny Smith, the longtime general manager of the University of Tennessee’s student radio station, is retiring.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Smith said he intends to retire at the end of the year.

Smith has worked at WUTK for almost 20 years, and during his time at the station, it received several awards, including “Knoxville’s Best Radio Station.”

As part of his statement, Smith thanked the students, volunteers and community members who supported him while at the station, citing future changes planned for WUTK as the impetus for his retirement.

After a great deal of consideration and discussion with my family, I made the decision to retire as general manager of WUTK. I will remain an employee through the end of the year and will work with university leadership to ensure a smooth transition.

I have served the Knoxville community for nearly 20 years at WUTK, and that service has been a blessing. It has been a dream come true to mentor a generation of eager student broadcasters and to nurture a local music scene full of kind, creative people that help make our city a vibrant and special place.

With the changes coming to WUTK, for me it was the right time personally to make this move. I want to thank the students, volunteers, and community members that showed me so much support during this process. My only request is that they continue to show the same level of support for WUTK now and in the future.

First and foremost, I am a Vol For Life. I love the University of Tennessee, and I will continue to be a joyful part of its alumni community. I am leaving knowing that I gave my all for Tennessee. I am looking forward to what comes next. Stay tuned. – Benny Smith

WUTK began broadcasting in 1982.