83R11580 BPG-D

By: Giddings H.R. No. 596

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, A life made rich through exemplary public service drew to a close with the passing of noted educator James Larance Hill of Austin on September 2, 2012, at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, The son of Jerome and Ida Bell Hill, Dr. Hill was born in Austin on August 21, 1928; he earned his bachelor's degree at Huston-Tillotson College and also held a master's degree in educational psychology and a doctoral degree in educational administration from The University of Texas at Austin; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hill began his career in the Abilene Independent School District as a high school counselor, mathematics teacher, and band director; subsequently, he became deputy commissioner of the Texas Education Agency and then director of the southwest field office for Educational Testing Service, with responsibility for a five-state area; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, Dr. Hill joined The University of Texas at Austin as associate vice president for administration and public affairs; he was named the university's first African American vice president in 2000, and, as vice president for community and school relations, he took on general management of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, the University Interscholastic League, Neighborhood Longhorns, University Outreach programs, and Pre-college Youth Development, among other areas; and

WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan facilitated the university's relationships with schools, school systems, and state agencies, and he provided invaluable leadership in promoting the diversity of the student body and strengthening the institution's relationships with minorities and neighboring communities; he also developed mutually beneficial partnerships with state leaders and key constituents; over the years, he shared his vast expertise with the Task Force for Austin Major Employees, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Statue Committee, and the Austin Entrepreneurial Project, among other groups; although he retired in January 2007, he continued to benefit the university as senior vice president and special assistant to the president; and

WHEREAS, A founding member of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, Dr. Hill actively supported the mission of the organization; he received numerous accolades for his far-reaching accomplishments in education, including the Austin Area Urban League-Whitney M. Young, Jr., Award, the Ex-Students' Association Legacy Award, and a commendation for his long and dedicated service as a member of the State Agency Coordinating Committee; in tribute to his achievements, the African American Staff Advocating Progress Association at UT established the James Hill Scholarship Fund; and

WHEREAS, Gracious, kind, and caring, James Hill won a special place in the hearts of innumerable people as a mentor and role model; although he is deeply missed, his exceptional contributions to education and to The University of Texas at Austin community will continue to resonate widely in the years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. James Larance Hill and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife of more than 62 years, Geraldine Hill; to his daughter, Jacqueline Howard, and her husband, Charles; to his grandchildren, Pamela Tyus and her husband, David, and Charles Howard and his wife, Dionne; to his great-grandchildren, Christopher James Howard, Anthony Tyus, and Miles Lawrence Howard; to his sisters, Irene Thompson and Wray Plicque; to his brother, Doxy Hill; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. James Larance Hill.