SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 282


In Memory

of

Dr. Frank Everson Vandiver


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins citizens 
acrossthe state in mourning the loss of Dr. Frank Everson Vandiver,
noted historian and Texas A&M University president emeritus, who 
died January 7, 2005, at the age of 79; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Vandiver served as the 19th president of
Texas A&M University from 1981 to 1988; he led the university 
through a period of unparalleled expansion in academic 
achievements and status; during his tenure, the university's 
research budget surpassed $100 million, the endowment increased 
to more than $1 billion, and the university achieved Land Grant, 
Sea Grant, and Space Grant designation; and

	WHEREAS, Under his leadership, the university furthered 
its status as a world-class institution; it hired its first Nobel 
Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner faculty members and became 
ranked in the Top Ten nationally in the number of National Merit 
Scholars; more members of the faculty became affiliated with the 
National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of 
Engineering than at any previous time; and

	WHEREAS, An Austin native, Frank Vandiver earned degrees 
in history from The University of Texas, Tulane University, and 
Oxford University; he became an Air Force historian, taught at 
Washington University and Oxford University, and was a visiting 
professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point; 
and

	WHEREAS, Before joining Texas A&M University, he was 
president and chancellor of North Texas State University for two 
years and had been a professor of history for 24 years at
Rice University, where he had also served as department chairman, 
provost and vice president, and acting president; and

	WHEREAS, Dr. Vandiver was an expert on military history, 
with a special interest in the Civil War, and he wrote and edited 
more than 20 books and more than 100 scholarly articles and 
reviews on military conflicts; his book, Black Jack:  The Life 
and Times of John J. Pershing, was a finalist for a National Book 
Award; and

	WHEREAS, A visionary and an outstanding administrator, 
educator, and author, Dr. Vandiver will long be remembered for 
his leadership, his scholarship, and his quick wit; he was a 
devoted husband and father, and he leaves behind memories that 
will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, 
therefore, be it


	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby honor and commemorate the life of
Dr. Frank Everson Vandiver and extend sincere condolences to his 
bereaved family:  his wife of 24 years, Renée Aubry Vandiver; his 
daughters, Nita W. Jackson and Nancy A. Wahl; and his son,
Frank A. Vandiver; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared
for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the 
Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do
so in memory of Dr. Frank E. Vandiver.
                                                                           Ogden




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 1, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate