88S40822 EME-D
 
  By: Darby H.R. No. 94
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Howard College president Dr. Cheryl Sparks
  celebrated her 70th birthday on November 9, 2023; and
         WHEREAS, Born and raised in Big Spring, Cheryl Sparks
  attended The University of Texas at El Paso and Howard College
  before going on to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree from
  Texas Tech University, where she also completed her doctorate in
  higher education; early in her career, she served Howard College in
  such positions as dean of students, vice president for
  institutional advancement, and assistant to the president; she was
  appointed president by the board of trustees in 1992, becoming only
  the second female community college president in the state; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Sparks now ranks as the longest-serving
  community college president in Texas; she guides campuses in Big
  Spring, Lamesa, and San Angelo, as well as the SouthWest College for
  the Deaf; over the years, she has served higher education in myriad
  leadership roles, including chair of the Rural Community College
  Alliance and of the Texas Association of Community Colleges
  telecommunications committee; she has been a member of the
  executive committee of the Texas Association of Community Colleges
  and of the boards of numerous organizations, among them the Texas
  Association of Community College Trustees and Administrators, the
  Texas Association of Community College Foundations, and the Texas
  Junior College Association; and
         WHEREAS, Highly engaged in civic life, Dr. Sparks has
  benefited her fellow residents through her efforts as president of
  the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, board chair of Scenic
  Mountain Medical Center, and member of the boards of such
  organizations as the Big Spring Rotary Club, United Way of Big
  Spring and Howard County, the Dora Roberts Rehabilitation Center,
  and the YMCA; she earned the Service Above Self Award from Rotary
  International, and she was named 1992 Big Spring Area Chamber of
  Commerce Woman of the Year and 2005 Distinguished Woman of Howard
  County; and
         WHEREAS, In all her endeavors, Dr. Sparks enjoys the support
  of a loving family that includes her husband, John Richard Sparks,
  her son, J. Rich Sparks, and his wife, Sarah, and two grandchildren,
  Jenson and Lindley; and
         WHEREAS, Cheryl Sparks has played a vital role in advancing
  the proud legacy of Howard College, and her professional
  accomplishments and civic contributions have earned the lasting
  admiration of her fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby congratulate Dr. Cheryl
  Sparks on her 70th birthday and commend her for her service as
  president of Howard College; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Dr. Sparks as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives.