House Resolution 49

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. MICHAEL E. HARRIS UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 40 YEARS WITH THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SEVEN YEARS AS THE FACILITY DIRECTOR OF HUDSPETH REGIONAL CENTER.

WHEREAS, in February 1978, Michael E. Harris began teaching at the North Mississippi Regional Center (NMRC), and now, 40 years later, he retires as an exemplary public servant who has dedicated his career to bettering the State of Mississippi through his service to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health; and

WHEREAS, after receiving his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the University of Mississippi in 1978, he earned his master of education degree from the University of Mississippi in August 1985 and became a licensed school administrator in August 1987; and

WHEREAS, while he was a special education teacher at NMRC, Mr. Harris worked as a direct care worker on the cottages at night and taught during the day, and he worked the B and C shift for almost five months before he was promoted to Director of the Adult Education Workshop at NMRC, a position he held until July 1987; and

WHEREAS, in July 1987, Mr. Harris transferred to the Hudspeth Regional Center in Whitfield, Mississippi, to become the Director of Education Services, and in April 1998, he was appointed Assistant Director of Hudspeth Regional Center; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harris was the Assistant Director of Hudspeth Regional Center for 13 years, and in July 2011, he was appointed as Facility Director of Hudspeth Regional Center, a role he fulfilled with efficiency and effectiveness by utilizing the training and expertise garnered through his years with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harris has been an exceptional public servant to the Magnolia State as the Facility Director of Hudspeth Regional Center in Whitfield, Mississippi, and his knowledge, skill and strenuous laboriousness will be dearly missed by all of his colleagues and others who were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him and experience his greatness; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the steadfast devotion to the betterment of Mississippi and honor the zealous vow to impeccable public service that Mr. Michael E. Harris bestowed upon the citizens of Mississippi during his 40-year career with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health and while serving as the Facility Director of Hudspeth Regional Center:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Michael E. Harris upon his retirement after 40 years with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health and seven years as the Facility Director of Hudspeth Regional Center, and extend sincere wishes for rest and relaxation in his lighter days ahead.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Michael E. Harris and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.