Senate Concurrent Resolution 501

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT HORACE C. HOLMES FOR HIS 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THIS INSTITUTION AND TO THE COMMUNITY/JUNIOR COLLEGE SYSTEM.

WHEREAS, for many people, Southwest Mississippi Community College and Horace C. Holmes are synonymous. Under his leadership, Southwest has become a respected member of the community college system, and this year President Holmes celebrates 55 years in education, 50 of those at Southwest where he has influenced the lives of thousands.

WHEREAS, President Holmes came to Southwest to assume the position of Psychology instructor and boys' basketball coach in 1953 after a five-year tenure as coach at Johnston Station and Loyd Star High Schools, and what was to be a one-year stay evolved into a half century. He became the Dean of Men in 1955 while continuing his teaching responsibilities, and in 1957 he became assistant to the president. By 1962, Holmes was Dean of Instruction, a role he continued until July 1, 1972, when he assumed the Presidency of Southwest; and

WHEREAS, although Southwest has the smallest multi-county district and the smallest operating budget in the state, President Holmes saw opportunities rather that obstacles. He knew that Southwest students could receive a quality education rivaling that of any institution, regardless of size. He retained an excellent faculty and established projects to provide educational instruction and facilities to fulfill Southwest's mission to serve the citizens of its district by providing lower-division college, occupational, and continuing education courses, as well as community services, to meet the diverse needs of the population at a reasonable cost. During these past 50 years of President Holmes' tenure, Southwest has gained status within the junior/community college system, has grown in size (buildings and land), and has increased in enrollment and in faculty numbers; and WHEREAS, as Southwest grew in stature, it also enjoyed physical growth, thanks to President Holmes' insight and support. New construction costs for the college have exceeded $20,000,000.00 since 1972 when Southwest began a massive building program including key instructional and academic, as well as support facilities, around the lake.

WHEREAS, with physical growth, came an increase in numbers. In 1972, 37 faculty members taught the courses included in the 34 programs offered by the institution. During the 2002 semesters, 101 faculty members provided instruction in the 50 programs available. Student enrollment in 1972 numbered 912 as compared to 1,772 in 2002. And perhaps most impressive, the budget increased from $965,108.00 in 1972 to $10,439,295.00 in 2002.

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this gentleman who has done so much for a small community college in southwest Mississippi and its students during the past 50 years while staying actively involved with his family, church, and community, and whose professional and civic dedication serve as a model for all citizens in the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That

we do hereby commend and congratulate Southwest Mississippi Community College President, Horace C. Holmes for his 50 years of outstanding service to this institution and to the Community/Junior College System of Mississippi, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to President Holmes at Southwest Mississippi's celebration in his honor in conjunction with annual Homecoming activities, and be forwarded to the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.