R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The August 31, 2001, retirement of Dr. Harry L.
1-2 Krenek as president of Western Texas College in Snyder will bring
1-3 to a close a distinguished 15-year tenure at the helm of this
1-4 institution and a career of nearly 40 years in the field of
1-5 education; and
1-6 WHEREAS, Dr. Krenek was born in Elgin in 1941; after
1-7 graduating from Elgin High School he received a bachelor's degree
1-8 from Howard Payne University in 1963, a master's degree from
1-9 Southwest Texas State University in 1967, and a doctorate in
1-10 history from Texas Tech University in 1978; he has also done
1-11 graduate work at the University of Oklahoma and the University of
1-12 Nebraska; and
1-13 WHEREAS, This accomplished educator began his teaching career
1-14 at Aransas County High School in Rockport in 1963; he moved on to
1-15 hold positions as an instructor at Sul Ross State University and
1-16 Texas Tech University before joining the faculty at Western Texas
1-17 College in 1972; and
1-18 WHEREAS, An instructor and then dean of instruction at
1-19 Western Texas College, Dr. Krenek assumed the presidency of this
1-20 two-year community college in 1986; under his capable guidance, the
1-21 school has been providing preprofessional work, general study,
1-22 occupational programs, and continuing education to some 1,300
1-23 students per semester; and
1-24 WHEREAS, Dr. Krenek's leadership was crucial in steering
2-1 Western Texas College through difficult times to its present
2-2 flourishing condition; when a slump in the oil industry eroded the
2-3 local tax base, Western Texas College responded with successful
2-4 initiatives in workforce training; the college has trained
2-5 correctional officers, emergency medical technicians, child-care
2-6 workers, and the first workers at a new textile plant, programs
2-7 that have given a tremendous boost to the community; and
2-8 WHEREAS, The acquisition of state-of-the-art interactive
2-9 television has enabled Western Texas College students to take
2-10 classes from Midwestern State University and earn bachelor's
2-11 degrees without leaving campus; the technology has also made it
2-12 possible to offer required pesticide classes to area farmers and
2-13 seminars to prison inmates, supplementing the academic and
2-14 vocational courses taught within the prison units; and
2-15 WHEREAS, While helping Western Texas College retain its
2-16 traditional programs and simultaneously evolve in new directions,
2-17 Dr. Krenek has given generously of his time and talents to numerous
2-18 community organizations, including the Snyder Chamber of Commerce,
2-19 Historic Scurry County, Inc., West Texas Historical Society,
2-20 American Cancer Society, and Scurry County Senior Center; he has
2-21 received the Vestal Award from the City of Snyder and the Hometown
2-22 Spirit Award in recognition of his outstanding community service;
2-23 and
2-24 WHEREAS, Greatly respected by his colleagues and fellow
2-25 citizens for his integrity and untiring commitment, Dr. Krenek has
2-26 helped Western Texas College to thrive and to be a vital partner in
2-27 the community's development, and it is indeed a pleasure to pay
3-1 tribute to such a dedicated and visionary public servant; now,
3-2 therefore, be it
3-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
3-4 Legislature hereby honor Dr. Harry L. Krenek on the occasion of his
3-5 retirement as president of Western Texas College and extend to him
3-6 its deep appreciation for his exemplary leadership; and, be it
3-7 further
3-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-9 prepared for Dr. Krenek as an expression of high regard by the
3-10 Texas House of Representatives.
Counts
_______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 247 was adopted by the House on April
20, 2001, by a non-record vote.
_______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House