R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, Dr. William H. Cunningham, seventh chancellor of The
1-2 University of Texas (U.T.) System, rendered exceptional service as
1-3 leader of one of the nation's largest and most complex systems of
1-4 higher education; and
1-5 WHEREAS, Dr. Cunningham assumed the duties of chancellor on
1-6 September 1, 1992, following seven years as president of The
1-7 University of Texas at Austin; he retired as chancellor on May 31,
1-8 2000, having ably shepherded the system through eight years of
1-9 dramatic growth and development; and
1-10 WHEREAS, During his tenure Dr. Cunningham oversaw the
1-11 institution or significant expansion of many major initiatives,
1-12 including far-reaching endeavors both to strengthen the
1-13 administration of the system and to address its tremendous
1-14 responsibilities in the arena of higher education; and
1-15 WHEREAS, Among measures taken to improve system operations,
1-16 one of the most notable has been the cost-cutting initiative, with
1-17 savings for the period 1999-2002 estimated at $505 million; and
1-18 WHEREAS, In a drive to improve educational access in south
1-19 and southwestern Texas, Dr. Cunningham helped to expand the South
1-20 Texas/Border Initiative; through fiscal year 1999 the initiative
1-21 had invested $440 million in five U.T. institutions in south Texas
1-22 and the border region; these funds supported the development of 68
1-23 new academic programs, the construction of 15 new academic
1-24 buildings, and 5 major renovation projects; and
2-1 WHEREAS, Dr. Cunningham presided over still other ventures in
2-2 the border area, including the creation of a Regional Academic
2-3 Health Center in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and an agreement
2-4 between U.T. at El Paso and Texas Tech University to operate a
2-5 research center devoted to border health issues; and
2-6 WHEREAS, The question of how to make the resources of the
2-7 U.T. System available to more students also drove the creation of
2-8 the UT TeleCampus, a cooperative effort of the system's 15
2-9 institutions that provides online degree programs for distance
2-10 learners; and
2-11 WHEREAS, Particular attention was paid to the issue of
2-12 student retention and graduation, as well as to ways of increasing
2-13 minority enrollment; in addition, Dr. Cunningham announced an
2-14 initiative to increase the number of minorities and women in
2-15 faculty and administrative positions throughout the system; and
2-16 WHEREAS, Recognizing the imperative need for adequate
2-17 funding, Dr. Cunningham worked hard to raise endowments and was
2-18 instrumental in securing $1.2 billion in new funds for higher
2-19 education during 1999; he has long been a forceful proponent of the
2-20 argument that investment in higher education constitutes an
2-21 investment in the economic well-being of Texas; and
2-22 WHEREAS, Throughout his years as chancellor, Dr. Cunningham's
2-23 incisive leadership and passionate commitment to The University of
2-24 Texas System were unmistakable and of incalculable value, and it
2-25 is a pleasure indeed to recognize this distinguished gentleman,
2-26 academician, and champion of the cause of higher education; now,
2-27 therefore, be it
3-1 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
3-2 Legislature warmly commend Dr. William H. Cunningham for his great
3-3 contributions as chancellor of The University of Texas System and
3-4 extend to him its deep appreciation for his dedicated stewardship;
3-5 and, be it further
3-6 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-7 prepared for Dr. Cunningham as an expression of high regard by the
3-8 Texas House of Representatives.
Uher
_______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 33 was adopted by the House on
February 6, 2001, by a non-record vote.
_______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House