78R4141 MMS-D

By:  Eissler                                                    H.C.R. No. 45 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Dr. Arthur K. Smith, chancellor of the University of 
Houston (UH) System and president of the UH main campus, is retiring 
effective September 2, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, Since assuming his dual position on April 1, 1997, 
Dr. Smith has ably guided the UH system and main campus through a 
period of impressive development; advances include the merger of 
the system and main campus administrations, the implementation of 
new strategic planning, budgeting, and computing systems, the 
planning and construction of major new building projects on all 
four campuses and in Sugar Land, and dramatic growth in grant 
funding for research and in student enrollment and diversity; and
	WHEREAS, Under Dr. Smith's skilled leadership, the UH main 
campus has achieved record student enrollment, together with higher 
student retention and graduation rates and improved academic 
performance; increased grant funding is moving the school closer to 
its goal of attaining recognition as a top-tier research 
university, and one of the most extensive construction and 
renovation campaigns in the school's 76-year history is currently 
underway; and
	WHEREAS, Before becoming the first individual to hold the 
combined offices of UH chancellor and president, Dr. Smith served 
for six years as president of the University of Utah, which has 
named him president emeritus; he has also served at the State 
University of New York at Binghamton and at the University of South 
Carolina, holding the posts of graduate dean, chief research 
officer, chief finance and business officer, and chief academic 
officer; and
	WHEREAS, A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former navy 
aviator, Dr. Smith earned a Ph.D. in government at Cornell 
University, focusing on Latin American studies, comparative 
politics, and international politics; and
	WHEREAS, After stepping down from his present offices, Dr. 
Smith will receive an at-large appointment as University Professor 
at the UH main campus; in addition to resuming his academic work and 
other interests, he is looking forward to spending more time with 
his wife, June, their 3 children, and 11 grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, The UH System and UH main campus have gained 
immeasurably from Dr. Smith's incisive leadership, deep 
experience, and passionate commitment to the mission of these 
institutions, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor him at this time; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby congratulate Dr. Arthur K. Smith and his wife, June, on the 
occasion of his retirement as chancellor of the University of 
Houston System and president of the University of Houston and 
extend to them sincere best wishes for this next chapter in their 
lives; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Dr. and Mrs. Smith as an expression of high regard by 
the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.