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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart stepped down as president |
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of Amarillo College on September 30, 2023, and the conclusion of his |
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service provides a fitting opportunity to recognize his many |
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significant accomplishments; and |
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WHEREAS, Since his appointment in 2014, Dr. Lowery-Hart has |
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worked tirelessly to develop AC as one of the top community colleges |
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in the nation; over the course of his exemplary tenure, he was |
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essential in the implementation of the college's Culture of Caring |
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initiative, and he oversaw the establishment of childcare access |
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for students with children, virtual learning space during the |
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COVID-19 pandemic, and the THRIVE Scholarship Program partnership, |
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as well as the launch of AC's first comprehensive campaign, Badger |
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Bold, and the reestablishment of Badger Athletics; furthermore, the |
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college saw a 75 percent growth rate of first-generation students |
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completing their degree or certificate, and three-year completion |
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rates more than doubled; and |
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WHEREAS, Under Dr. Lowery-Hart's able leadership, AC |
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received a number of honors, including the Leah Meyer Austin Award |
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from Achieving the Dream and the Bellwether Award; the school was |
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also recognized as a Top 5 College and received a Rising Star award |
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from the Aspen Institute in 2021, and it was named a corecipient of |
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the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in |
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2023; and |
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WHEREAS, Before becoming president, Dr. Lowery-Hart served |
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the college as vice president of academic affairs; he holds a |
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bachelor's degree in speech communication and rhetoric from West |
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Texas State University, a master's degree in communication studies |
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from Texas Tech University, and a doctorate in interpersonal |
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communication from Ohio University; in recognition of his myriad |
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accomplishments, he was named the National Council of Instructional |
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Administrators Academic Leader of the Year in 2014 and the 2021 |
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Amarillo Globe-News Man of the Year; and |
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WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery-Hart undertook his new role as the ninth |
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chancellor of the Austin Community College District on October 1, |
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2023; in all his endeavors, he enjoys the love and support of a fine |
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family that includes his wife of almost 30 years, Tara, and their |
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three children; and |
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WHEREAS, Through his dedication, expertise, and visionary |
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leadership, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has played a vital role in |
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advancing the proud legacy of Amarillo College, and his |
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achievements will continue to be appreciated for years to come; |
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now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Dr. Russell |
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Lowery-Hart for his service as president of Amarillo College and |
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extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Dr. Lowery-Hart as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |