House Resolution 70

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CAREER AND ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENT OF DR. ANTHONY OWENS UPON BEING AWARDED HIS DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP.

WHEREAS, on Friday, June 15, 2018, the educational arena became a bit more empowered with academic prowess when Jackson, Mississippi, native and Lanier High School Class of 1981 alumnus, Anthony Owens, received his Doctor of Education Degree in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, thus officially becoming Anthony Owens, Ed.D., or appropriately Dr. Anthony Owens; and

WHEREAS, a true academician, Dr. Owens received his baccalaureate degree in music from the historic Tougaloo College before entering and completing his postgraduate matriculation at Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, where he attained his master's degree in counselor education/school counseling and guidance services; and

WHEREAS, in addition to absorbing knowledge, Dr. Owens, in turn, has devoted much of his time and professional experience to imparting educational ideologies to the student population at Bethune-Cookman University over the course of 14 years, initially as director of New Student Orientation Leadership Programs and most recently as student success coach and adjunct instructor, serving as interpersonal counselor, director of student development, freshmen and sophomore seminar instructor and campus advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Owens' continued campus involvement is highlighted through his participation on the Quality Enhancement Program, 2010 Accreditation Reaffirmation Committee, former president of B-CU Staff Association, 2008 Staff Member of the Year, and 2013 recipient of the Director's and Customer Service Award in acknowledgment of his outstanding and dedicated service to the Department of Student Involvement; and

WHEREAS, with a dissertation entitled, "Factors Influencing Engagement in Co-Curricular Programs Among Males at a Historically Black Institution," Dr. Owens research was a case study approach of the life experiences of eight African-American male students and the factors that influenced their decision to engage in leadership and co-curricular programs while in college, which offered strategies to assist HBCU administration, faculty and staff to retain and graduate that particular demographic of student population, as well as the need to highlight the achievements to the test group to positively influence the outcome in higher education; and

WHEREAS, proclaiming his drive to help students succeed and reach their full potential as his ministry at B-CU, Dr. Owens, who is an ordained minister, credits his drive for success to the constant support, encouragement, prayers and nexus of inspiration provided by his wife, Sherry Darby-Owens and two children, Dyah and Antonio; and

WHEREAS, through much perseverance, reliance on the Heavenly Father for the granting of continuous grace and mercy, Dr. Owens was able to achieve this most significant milestone by staying the course, even at the times when he was ready to throw in the towel, but God's providence revealed itself strong and unwavering to the very end; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the laudable accomplishment of such a deserving individual as Dr. Owens, whose pathway to academic success has been illuminated by his faithfulness to the Creator for sustaining and maturing him throughout the matriculation process:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the career and academic accomplishments of Dr. Anthony Owens upon being awarded his Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Anthony Owens and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.