 Through other business interests, Mr. Thomas learned of KVTT, now KKXT, an existing station that operated as an extension of Elkins Institute, a broadcasting training facility.With retirement looming, Bill Elkins, the founder and president of the Elkins Institute, wanted to find someone to continue with the station he had operated since 1950.In March 1976, Mr. Thomas became the president of Research Educational Foundation, Inc. and General Manager of KVTT.