MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing, Woodfield, Posey, Gordon, Carlton, Walls, Harden, Furniss, Frazier, Huggins, Jackson, Jordan (24th), Simmons, Canon, Kirby, Burton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. KENT WYATT UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS THE PRESIDENT OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY.

WHEREAS, Dr. Kent Wyatt, a resident of Cleveland, Mississippi, will retire as President of Delta State University on June 30, 1999; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wyatt first became associated with Delta State University at age 11, when his father, Forest E. Wyatt, accepted a position in 1946 on the physical education faculty as the head football coach; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wyatt earned his baccalaureate degree from Delta State University, a master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a doctorate from the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, after six years as an assistant to the president and five years as Director of the Delta State University Alumni Association, Dr. Wyatt assumed the presidency on July 1, 1975; and

WHEREAS, during Dr. Wyatt's years as president, Delta State University has experienced a dramatic growth in student enrollment, physical plant, academic recognition, private donations to the institution and public service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wyatt provided leadership through budget cuts, the Ayers case and threats to close the university or merge with another university; and

WHEREAS, with Dr. Wyatt's guidance, the faculty and adjunct faculty has increased by 61% and every academic program which can be accredited has been accredited by the proper national agency; and

WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Dr. Wyatt has been responsible for the construction of 18 new buildings and the renovation of many others; and

WHEREAS, after his retirement, Dr. Wyatt will remain in Cleveland, Mississippi, with his lovely wife, Janice, who has lovingly supported him in all his endeavors; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds it most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding leader as Dr. Kent Wyatt, whose contributions to Delta State University have had a tremendous impact on the university and the community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Dr. Kent Wyatt upon his retirement as President of Delta State University, wishing him the best in his future endeavors and extend our deepest appreciation for his many years of service to the university.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Kent Wyatt, Delta State University and members of the Capitol Press Corps.