By: Ellis S.R. No. 1261
1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION
1-2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in
1-3 recognizing Dr. James H. Pickering for his loyal service as
1-4 president of the University of Houston, Texas' largest urban
1-5 comprehensive teaching and research university; and
1-6 WHEREAS, Dr. Pickering became the university's ninth
1-7 president in April of 1992 after having served as the Dean of the
1-8 College of Humanities, Fine Arts and Communication, Interim and
1-9 Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and Acting President;
1-10 and
1-11 WHEREAS, During his 14-year administrative career at the
1-12 University of Houston, Dr. Pickering fostered the classic
1-13 synergistic relationship between teaching and research and
1-14 demonstrated how partnerships between the university and the
1-15 community define and further the ideal of the 21st century urban
1-16 university; and
1-17 WHEREAS, A talented administrator who is well experienced
1-18 and versatile, Dr. Pickering holds a doctorate degree from
1-19 Northwestern University; he served as a professor at Northwestern
1-20 University, and prior to joining the University of Houston, he
1-21 served as a professor of English and as the director of the Honors
1-22 College at Michigan State University; and
1-23 WHEREAS, A recognized scholar of American literature,
2-1 Dr. Pickering is the author or editor of 31 books, as well as of
2-2 numerous articles and reviews; his short story anthology, Fiction
2-3 100, is in its seventh edition and is used extensively in
2-4 literature programs around the country; his recent writing has
2-5 focused on the 19th and early 20th century history of the Rocky
2-6 Mountain West; and
2-7 WHEREAS, Believing that the liberal arts and sciences provide
2-8 the best preparation for the professions, Dr. Pickering played a
2-9 leading role during the last decade in designing an improved
2-10 undergraduate curriculum for Texas colleges and universities; and
2-11 WHEREAS, While president of the University of Houston,
2-12 Dr. Pickering helped to create the university's Honors College and
2-13 the Scholars' Community, a new and innovative program designed to
2-14 serve commuting students; and
2-15 WHEREAS, An expert in the field of education and a leader in
2-16 the Houston community, Dr. Pickering serves as a consultant to
2-17 numerous school districts and colleges; he is active with the
2-18 Houston Area Research Council, the Houston Grand Opera, the
2-19 National Center for Urban Participation, Children at Risk, and
2-20 the Greater Houston Coalition for Excellence in Education; and
2-21 WHEREAS, Dr. Pickering's distinguished leadership has
2-22 contributed greatly to the quality of education provided by Texas
2-23 schools, colleges, and universities, and he has played a major role
2-24 in making the University of Houston the exceptional institution it
2-25 is today; now, therefore, be it
3-1 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-2 74th Legislature, hereby commend Dr. James Pickering on his
3-3 notable accomplishments and his many contributions to the
3-4 University of Houston and extend best wishes to him in the years
3-5 ahead; and, be it further
3-6 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him
3-7 as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
3-8 ______________________________________
3-9 President of the Senate
3-10 I hereby certify that the above
3-11 Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-12 on May 26, 1995.
3-13 ______________________________________
3-14 Secretary of the Senate
3-15 ______________________________________
3-16 Member, Texas Senate