Senate Resolution 65

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING "COMMUNITY HERO OF THE YEAR" WILLIAM MCHENRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY'S E-CENTER, FOR HIS EDUCATIONAL AND CIVIC LEADERSHIP IN THE SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS AND ENGINEERING MENTORING (STEM) PROGRAM AND UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE STEM PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, today's science students are tomorrow's problem solvers, and a Jackson educator has dedicated his 45-year career to mentoring and recruiting women and minorities into the field of science, technology, engineering and math. Along the way, he has secured more than $60 million in grants to promote STEM careers; and

WHEREAS, because of his work, The Clarion Ledger and Trustmark National Bank are recognizing William McHenry, executive Director of Jackson State University's Mississippi e-Center, as their 10th "Community Hero"; and

WHEREAS, McHenry was one of 12 individuals nationally to be recently awarded a 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring for his pioneering work on broadening participation of individuals from underrepresented groups in sciences; and

WHEREAS, "Jackson State University appreciates the continuous impact Dr. McHenry has made in the field of STEM education through mentorship," Thomas K. Hudson, J.D., Acting President of JSU, said in a news release about McHenry's national recognition. "Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for students in Mississippi and beyond"; and

WHEREAS, McHenry grew up in Camden, Arkansas. Public schools in his district, he said, began integrating under the "Freedom of Choice" plan. Rather than force students to integrate, they were allowed to choose which school they wanted to attend. In 1966, at the urging of his father, McHenry chose to go to what had been an all-white high school. McHenry went to the University of Southern Arkansas and later attended Mississippi State University, where he earned a Doctorate in Organic Chemistry and served as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry. After 12 years at MSU, McHenry served as Program Office Coordinator for the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation where he traveled the nation helping universities implement mentoring programs for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM; and

WHEREAS, he continued his career at the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education where he served as Senior Vice Chancellor. In 2005, he returned to Mississippi and continued his career of teaching, mentoring and recruiting students into STEM careers at JSU and the Mississippi e-Center; and

WHEREAS, McHenry is currently helping students succeed through the National Science Foundation STEM STARS (The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholars Teacher Academy Resident System Institute). "It is designed to educate 120 more science and mathematics teachers," McHenry said. "If we educate 120 teachers, they will impact 360,000 students during their careers. The STEM careers are the best way to shape the future. It is the scientists and engineers who solve the problems of the future by working with students and encouraging them to go into careers that will solve COVID-19, going to Mars and develop self-driving cars. We don't know all the challenges that will come up tomorrow, but if we train them today we will have individuals who can address those challenges"; and

WHEREAS, "He is a leader," said Martha Tchounwou, Ph.D., College of Science, Engineering and Technology at JSU and statewide Program Manager for the Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation, who works with McHenry to recruit students into STEM careers. He does what he can so the next generation of scientists are well-equipped. He is one of those community heroes working behind the scenes"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a local university professor who has made an impact on the lives of so many students and brought honor to the Jackson community, Jackson State University and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend "Community Hero of the Year" William McHenry, Executive Director of Jackson State University's e-Center, for his educational and civic leadership in the Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (STEM) Program, and upon his receipt of the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in the STEM program, and offer our congratulations for his program and its continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to William McHenry and his family, his co-instructors, forwarded to the President of Jackson State University and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.