BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.C.R. 14
	By: Hughes
	Committee To Be Determined | Never Referred
	6/21/2019
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

James Henry Russell is stepping down as president of Texarkana College in January 2019, following more than seven years of exemplary service to the college. When Mr. Russell took over as president in June 2011, Texarkana College was facing many challenges. He launched the TC Tomorrow Community Challenge to raise support and funds for the school and enlisted the help of TC alumnus H. Ross Perot, which resulted in a $5 million contribution. He oversaw the increase of the TC Foundation�s assets from $2.8 million to over $8.2 million since 2013, and he led the effort to expand the school�s tax district and to increase its tax revenue.

Under Mr. Russell�s leadership, the college established a scholarship program to provide free tuition and fees to high-achieving area students, significantly increased the graduation rates of African American students, expanded the dual-credit scholarship program for disadvantaged students, and opened the first new building in decades, the Betty and Buddy Ledwell Workforce Training Center. Today, the school rests on a firm financial foundation, and it has been recognized with the Leah Meyer Austin Award by the Achieving the Dream organization.

Mr. Russell earned his bachelor�s, master�s, and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University‑Commerce. He previously served as superintendent of the Texarkana and Melissa school districts, and he has also worked as a high school and a middle school principal. He is a cofounder of the TeacherTube company and served as its CEO from 2014 to 2016. He is leaving the college to become executive vice president and chief financial officer of BWI Companies. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Russell has been active in the community with the Boy Scouts, Band Boosters, and Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, and in 2013, he was presented with the C.E. Palmer Award by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce. In all his endeavors, he benefits from the love and support of his wife, Rosemary, and his three children, Madeline, Colleen, and Reed. James Henry Russell�s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the mission of Texarkana College have greatly benefited the community, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his exemplary leadership as he takes on the challenges and opportunities of his new position.

RESOLVED

That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas commend James Henry Russell on his outstanding tenure as president of Texarkana College and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success.

That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Russell as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.