House Concurrent Resolution 73

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EXEMPLARY AND DEDICATED SERVICES OF DR. RONALD E. NETTLES II, AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF COPIAH-LINCOLN COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

WHEREAS, Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II will retire as President of Copiah-Lincoln Community College on June 30, 2018, after dedicating over 33 years of illustrious service and guidance to the students, faculty and staff of Copiah-Lincoln Community College; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Nettles obtained his bachelor of science degree in political science and master of education degree in counseling and personnel services from the University of Southern Mississippi, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi in educational leadership, and completed additional studies at Mississippi State University and the University of Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, with an extensive background in education, Dr. Nettles joined the staff of Copiah-Lincoln Community College on the Wesson Campus in September of 1994, as Director of Community and Economic Development, and was later named Dean of the Natchez Campus on July 1, 1997; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Nettles was transferred back to Wesson as Executive Vice President on July 1, 2004, and selected President of Copiah-Lincoln Community College on July 1, 2008; and

WHEREAS, as Copiah-Lincoln President, Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II, saw growth in enrollment rise to an all-time high, increased the Co-Lin Foundation's endowment to double over $8 million, and instituted new instructional programs and services that have increased student graduation rates; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Nettles' leadership, six new buildings have been constructed including the Alton Greenlee Pro Shop (2010); Howell C. Garner Instructional Building (2011); Eugene Bates Men's Residence Hall (2012); H.L. Stone Stadium Press Box (2014); Early Childhood Education Building (2015); and the New Women's Residence Hall (to be completed in 2018); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II orchestrated the renovation and repair to the baseball, softball, and soccer fields, Mullen Gymnasium, Henley Cafeteria, Pitts Field House, H. L. Stone Stadium, Anderson Building, Smith Hall Chemistry Lab, Ewing Fine Arts Auditorium, Ellzey Hall, Diesel Mechanics Classroom, Callendar Hall, energy/mechanical projects totaling over $2.9 million, roofing projects over $1.5 million, two new parking lots and paving projects; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II has seen the college's athletic programs gain national recognition, at times being nationally-ranked on the playing field and academically and having participated in national tournaments; and

WHEREAS, with Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II at the helm, the college has been recognized on a national and statewide level by the Apsen Institute College Excellence Program (two consecutive times), Great Colleges To Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education, Purple Heart College, Military Friendly Award (No. 3), Best Colleges in Mississippi, and currently working to have the first ACT Work Ready Region in the state; and

WHEREAS, a true leader during his tenure as President of Copiah-Lincoln, Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II has served as President of the Southern Association of Colleges with Associate Degrees, President of the Mississippi Community College Presidents Association, Secretary on the Mississippi Commission of College Accreditation, past President of the Mississippi Association of Colleges (MAC) and past President of the Copiah County Economic Development District; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II is a member of numerous professional organizations and civic clubs including the Mississippi Humanities Council, Wesson Lions Club, Wesson Chamber of Commerce, and is a charter member of the Brookhaven Rotary Club; and

WHEREAS, throughout the years, Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II has received notable honors, including the National Institute for Organizations Development Excellence Award, Co-Lin's Howell C. Garner High Performance Award, Phi Theta Kappa's Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction and the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award, and was a member of the Mississippi Economic Council's Leadership Mississippi Class; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the outstanding contributions of a citizen such as Dr. Nettles who has provided a quality educational environment and curriculum to the students of this state who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the exemplary and dedicated services of Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II, congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement as President of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, and express warmest wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Ronald E. Nettles II and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.