The North Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society first awarded the best student paper award in 1992. At the 2002 NCAFS Chapter meeting, the Best Student Paper Award of the NC AFS Chapter should henceforth be known as the Richard L. Noble Best Student Paper Award, in recognition of Rich’s outstanding commitment and career contributions to fisheries student education. Through his dedication to teaching and mentoring students, Rich has left an indelible mark on our profession.