SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 126

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the faculty, staff, and students of The Texas A&M University System in recognizing February 6, 2009, as Dr. Dan Jones Day; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dan Jones is being recognized for his inauguration as the President of Texas A&M University--Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jones graduated with highest honors from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of journalism degree in Magazine Journalism and a bachelor of arts degree in English; he earned a master's degree in English from Rice University in 1978 and another master's degree in American Studies in 1982 from the University of Iowa, where he also completed his doctorate in American Studies in 1982; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jones began his career as an instructor of English at Casper College in Casper, Wyoming; he went on to serve in several capacities at the University of Houston-Downtown, including Dean of University College, Interim Dean of Student Affairs, Associate Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Acting Chair in the Department of English; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jones then served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas A&M International University in Laredo from 2003 through 2008; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jones was a charter member of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston-Downtown and at Texas A&M International University, where he was also given the Service Excellence Award and the Student Government Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Member; and

WHEREAS, His professional memberships include the American Studies Association, the Far West Popular Culture Association, the Popular Culture Association, and Phi Beta Kappa; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jones has published several articles and made numerous presentations dealing with higher education and popular culture, and he has demonstrated excellent qualifications for his new position as President of Texas A&M University--Commerce; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize February 6, 2009, as Dr. Dan Jones Day and urge all students, faculty members, and staff of Texas A&M University--Commerce to congratulate Dr. Jones on an outstanding career with the university and express sincere appreciation to him for his unwavering dedication and service to higher education in the State of Texas; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Dr. Dan Jones in honor of this special occasion.

Deuell

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 4, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate