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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Dr. Gary Cook is celebrating his 25th anniversary as |
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president of Dallas Baptist University on April 6, 2013; and |
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WHEREAS, Dr. Cook earned his bachelor's degree from Baylor |
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University, his master's degree in divinity from Southern Baptist |
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Theological Seminary, his master's degree in aging studies from the |
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University of North Texas, and his doctor of ministry degree from |
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Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and |
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WHEREAS, This innovative scholastic leader assumed the |
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presidency of DBU in April of 1988, and during his tenure at the |
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helm of the university, he has presided over a significant period of |
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academic, physical, and financial expansion; he provided guidance |
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for the development of 22 new master's degree programs, introduced |
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2 doctoral programs, and played an instrumental role in the |
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establishment of the first honors track for undergraduates; and |
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WHEREAS, Over the course of Dr. Cook's presidency, DBU has |
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experienced a growth in enrollment of 200 percent, to more than |
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5,600 students, and to meet the needs of this burgeoning student |
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body, Dr. Cook has overseen the acquisition of 92 acres of land, a |
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46 percent increase in campus holdings; and |
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WHEREAS, He has given generously of his time and talents to |
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the community at large through service on the boards of the Baylor |
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University Medical Center, the Baylor College of Dentistry, the |
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Baylor Oral Health Foundation, Habitat for Humanity International, |
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United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the YMCA of Metropolitan |
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Dallas; he has served on the executive committee of the Independent |
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Colleges and Universities of Texas and as chair of the finance |
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committee of the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities; |
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Dr. Cook has twice represented Texas at the White House Conference |
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on Aging, and he has also served a term on the Texas Board on Aging; |
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he is a former resident of Waco, where he was a city councilman and |
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mayor pro tem; and |
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WHEREAS, In recognition of his professional achievements, |
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Dr. Cook has received distinguished alumni awards from each of his |
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alma maters, and he was also chosen as the recipient of the |
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Integrity in Christian Education Award from Marketplace |
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Ministries; he is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the |
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South and Southwest, and Who's Who in American Education; and |
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WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, he enjoys the love and |
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support of his wife, Sheila, who is also an accomplished teacher; |
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the couple's treasured family includes two sons, David and his |
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wife, Nicole, and Mark, and a granddaughter, Molly; Dr. and |
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Mrs. Cook are valued members of Park Cities Baptist Church, and he |
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contributes to the congregation as a deacon; and |
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WHEREAS, Dallas Baptist University has gained immeasurably |
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from Dr. Cook's dedication and vision over the last |
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quarter-century, and it is a privilege to acknowledge his ongoing |
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role in higher education in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be |
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it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Gary Cook on his 25 years of |
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service as president of Dallas Baptist University and extend to him |
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sincere best wishes for continued success in his important work; |
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and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Dr. Cook as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |
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King of Parker |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 524 was adopted by the House on March |
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7, 2013, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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