MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2021 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Holloway

House Resolution 46

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE THAT MR. EMANUEL F. "DEAN" BARNES, SR., PROVIDED TO THE STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF OF ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

     WHEREAS, after 43 years of remarkable dedication to the students, faculty and staff of Alcorn State University, Emanuel F. "Dean" Barnes, Sr., a native of Meridian, Mississippi, retired from his position in June 2018 after providing exemplary service to the entire Braves family and to the higher education of students in Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Barnes began his illustrious career with Alcorn State University on April 1, 1975, as a residence hall director in student affairs, and throughout his tenure with the university, he has served as an admission counselor/recruiter, Director of Admissions and Recruiting, Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students, Deputy Provost for Student Services and Vice President of Student Affairs; and

     WHEREAS, while serving as Dean of Students, Mr. Barnes helped improve the quality of student life on campus by diligently working to bring telephone and cable television service to residence hall rooms, implementing a student visitation policy and introducing electronic voting to the student election process; and       WHEREAS, under his leadership as Director of Admissions and Recruiting, in addition to enrollment growth, Alcorn State University became the only HBCU in Mississippi to achieve the court ordered mandate of three consecutive years of a minimum ten percent other race enrollment, which allowed the school to gain  access to additional Ayers funding for the university, and when the university moved to BANNER as its information management system, he developed the Admissions and Recruiting modules and the Location Management (building identification) module; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Barnes is not only trained in enrollment management, but he is also certified in customer service, has served on several university-wide committees and co-chaired a successful NCAA Certification process, and because he was the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for the Braves, he was responsible for maintaining eligibility for the university to recruit and enroll international students as well as facilitating undergraduate international student compliance with INS regulations; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to his role in the academic world, Mr. Barnes was also "The Voice of the Braves," for over 30 years, serving as the public address announcer for home football and basketball games, and in 2016, he was inducted into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame for his work in broadcasting and media; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Barnes holds membership in several professional, social and civic organizations, including the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Claiborne County Democratic Executive Committee and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and

     WHEREAS, throughout his career, Mr. Barnes has been showered with loving support from his wife, the former Sandra L. Williams, and their five children, who are all graduates of Alcorn State University; and

     WHEREAS, after 43 years of service, retirement has surely left an insatiable void in the heart of Mr. Barnes for eagerly providing for the needs of the students, faculty and staff at Alcorn State University, but he has been overjoyed to spend more time with his loving wife and children; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the tireless devotion to the betterment of Mississippi and honor the ardent vow to impeccable service that Mr. Emanuel F. "Dean" Barnes, Sr., provided to the students, faculty and staff of Alcorn State University:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and meritorious leadership and service that Mr. Emanuel F. "Dean" Barnes, Sr., provided to the students, faculty and staff of Alcorn State University upon the occasion of his retirement, and extend sincere wishes for continued success and joy in the lighter days ahead.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Emanuel F. Barnes, Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.