Preston Earnest Smith (March 8, 1912 – October 18, 2003) was the 40th Govenor of Texas from 1969 to 1973. After his political career ended, Smith retired to Lubbock. He remained active in local business and civic affairs andorked as a fundraiser for Texas Tech University.

In 1987, the Lubbock Independent School District constructed the Preston Smith Elementary campus. The school was named in honor of former Texas Governor Preston Smith.