88S31149 AMB-D
 
  By: Price H.R. No. 99
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart stepped down as president
  of Amarillo College on September 30, 2023, and the conclusion of his
  service provides a fitting opportunity to recognize his many
  significant accomplishments; and
         WHEREAS, Since his appointment in 2014, Dr. Lowery-Hart has
  worked tirelessly to develop AC as one of the top community colleges
  in the nation; over the course of his exemplary tenure, he was
  essential in the implementation of the college's Culture of Caring
  initiative, and he oversaw the establishment of childcare access
  for students with children, virtual learning space during the
  COVID-19 pandemic, and the THRIVE Scholarship Program partnership,
  as well as the launch of AC's first comprehensive campaign, Badger
  Bold, and the reestablishment of Badger Athletics; furthermore, the
  college saw a 75 percent growth rate of first-generation students
  completing their degree or certificate, and three-year completion
  rates more than doubled; and
         WHEREAS, Under Dr. Lowery-Hart's able leadership, AC
  received a number of honors, including the Leah Meyer Austin Award
  from Achieving the Dream and the Bellwether Award; the school was
  also recognized as a Top 5 College and received a Rising Star award
  from the Aspen Institute in 2021, and it was named a corecipient of
  the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in
  2023; and
         WHEREAS, Before becoming president, Dr. Lowery-Hart served
  the college as vice president of academic affairs; he holds a
  bachelor's degree in speech communication and rhetoric from West
  Texas State University, a master's degree in communication studies
  from Texas Tech University, and a doctorate in interpersonal
  communication from Ohio University; in recognition of his myriad
  accomplishments, he was named the National Council of Instructional
  Administrators Academic Leader of the Year in 2014 and the 2021
  Amarillo Globe-News Man of the Year; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery-Hart undertook his new role as the ninth
  chancellor of the Austin Community College District on October 1,
  2023; in all his endeavors, he enjoys the love and support of a fine
  family that includes his wife of almost 30 years, Tara, and their
  three children; and
         WHEREAS, Through his dedication, expertise, and visionary
  leadership, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has played a vital role in
  advancing the proud legacy of Amarillo College, and his
  achievements will continue to be appreciated for years to come;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Dr. Russell
  Lowery-Hart for his service as president of Amarillo College and
  extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Dr. Lowery-Hart as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives.