By Farabee H.C.R. No. 96
77R4885 MMS-D
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, The retirement of Dr. Louis J. Rodriguez of Wichita
1-2 Falls as president of Midwestern State University on August 31,
1-3 2000, brought to a close an outstanding administrative career in
1-4 higher education; and
1-5 WHEREAS, A graduate of Rutgers University, Dr. Rodriguez
1-6 earned his doctorate in economics and finance at Louisiana State
1-7 University and held administrative positions at a number of schools
1-8 before assuming the presidency of Midwestern in 1981; and
1-9 WHEREAS, Over the course of his 19-year tenure, Midwestern
1-10 made dramatic progress in every area, from student enrollment to
1-11 programs and facilities; and
1-12 WHEREAS, The initiation of an ambitious strategic growth plan
1-13 resulted in a 31-percent increase in enrollment, with the student
1-14 population rising to more than 5,700; the culturally and
1-15 geographically diverse student body includes approximately 450
1-16 students from some 50 foreign countries; and
1-17 WHEREAS, Dr. Rodriguez led in such outreach efforts as the
1-18 creation of off-campus learning sites, telecourses and Internet
1-19 instruction, and a program that enables Wichita Falls High School
1-20 students to earn college credits; and
1-21 WHEREAS, Now organized into six colleges, Midwestern has
1-22 added numerous graduate and undergraduate programs; many, such as
1-23 the engineering technology program and the health sciences
1-24 programs, were created in response to needs identified by the
2-1 community; the school has also established the Small Business
2-2 Development Center and the Bureau of Business and Government
2-3 Research to assist businesses and nonprofits; and
2-4 WHEREAS, Other noteworthy milestones of this president's term
2-5 include the establishment of the Mamie Raborn Center for Economic
2-6 Education, the Larry McMurtry Center for the Arts and Humanities,
2-7 several lecture series, and the launching of the Midwestern State
2-8 University Press; and
2-9 WHEREAS, Appreciating the role of sports in the educational
2-10 enterprise, Dr. Rodriguez was instrumental in reintroducing
2-11 football in 1988 after a 32-year absence; Midwestern joined the
2-12 NCAA Division II in 1995, and scholarships became available in
2-13 every campus sport; and
2-14 WHEREAS, The expansion of student enrollment and of school
2-15 programs has been accompanied over the years by major construction
2-16 projects; since 1981, Midwestern has expended more than $67
2-17 million on facilities; and
2-18 WHEREAS, Dr. Rodriguez has been a strong advocate for
2-19 Midwestern and an able expositor of its many contributions to the
2-20 Lone Star State; his ability to articulate the role of higher
2-21 education and to work with different constituencies has been
2-22 crucial to the school's ability to raise funds and attract
2-23 community support, essential foundation blocks for Midwestern's
2-24 proud record of continuing success; and
2-25 WHEREAS, Throughout his career this distinguished Texan has
2-26 given generously of his time and talent to myriad professional,
2-27 public, and civic organizations; he has served as vice chairman of
3-1 the Council of Texas Public University Presidents and Chancellors
3-2 and worked with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the
3-3 Citizens' Commission on the Texas Judicial System, the Priddy
3-4 Foundation, and the Texas Chamber of Commerce; and
3-5 WHEREAS, In all his endeavors Dr. Rodriguez has found
3-6 support and inspiration in his wife, Ramona Dougherty Rodriguez,
3-7 and their children, Susan, Michael, and Scott; and
3-8 WHEREAS, One of the state's longest-tenured and most
3-9 respected university presidents, Dr. Rodriguez secured Midwestern's
3-10 place as a vital educational center and has left a legacy that will
3-11 continue to enrich the lives of countless students; in recognition
3-12 of his great dedication and many achievements, it is most fitting
3-13 and a true pleasure to pay tribute to him at this time; now,
3-14 therefore, be it
3-15 RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas
3-16 hereby commend Dr. Louis J. Rodriguez on the occasion of his
3-17 retirement as president of Midwestern State University and extend
3-18 to him sincere best wishes for good fortune in his future
3-19 endeavors; and, be it further
3-20 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-21 prepared for Dr. Rodriguez as an expression of high regard by the
3-22 Texas House of Representatives and Senate.