SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 186

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased
to recognize Dr. Don W. Brown for his exemplary work as Texas 
Commissioner of Higher Education; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Brown, who is stepping down from his
position, played a vital role in the development, creation, and 
implementation of Closing the Gaps by 2015, a higher education 
plan that is benefiting Texas and its people tremendously by 
closing the gaps within Texas, and also in comparisons of Texas 
with other states, in participation, success, excellence, and 
research; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Brown began his tenure with the state's higher 
education agency as a staff member in 1983; he was appointed 
deputy commissioner in 1988 and commissioner of higher education 
in 1997; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Brown's special interest in improving 
cooperation and coordination between higher education and public 
education, and the valuable role he played to ensure the success 
of the P-16 Council and related efforts, continues to provide 
tremendous benefits for the state's future; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Brown oversaw the development of many higher 
education innovations, including the Supply/Demand Pathway for 
ensuring the most efficient use of the state's higher education 
resources and the Texas Public Education Information Resource 
for providing valuable public and higher education data for 
making effective decisions on education policies; and

	WHEREAS, He worked diligently with higher education 
officials, public education officials, the business community, 
civic and other community leaders, legislators and other elected 
officials, and Texans from every background and region of the 
state to develop a wide consensus for closing the gaps in 
education throughout Texas; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Brown's unassuming manner, congenial 
temperament, and gracious style mask a steely resolve and a 
tenacious belief in helping the state achieve the goals of 
Closing the Gaps to make a difference in Texas and the lives of 
all Texans; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby commend
Dr. Don W. Brown for his outstanding service as Texas Commissioner
of Higher Education and extend best wishes to him in his efforts 
to focus more of his time directly on closing the educational 
gaps that challenge Texas; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
Dr. Brown as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                                         Shapiro




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 17, 2004.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate