House Resolution 130

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE THAT MRS. JACKIE GRANBERRY PROVIDED TO THE STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF OF HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, after 42 years of remarkable dedication to the students, faculty and staff of Hinds Community College, Mrs. Jackie Granberry, a native of Flowood, Mississippi, retired from her position as the Executive Director of the Hinds Community College Foundation in January 2022 after providing exemplary service to the entire Hinds family and to the higher education of students in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Granberry began her illustrious career with Hinds Community College at the Raymond campus on August 6, 1979, at the suggestion of Irl Dean Rhodes, who made a phone call to then Dean Dr. Clyde Muse, who hired her as a counselor at the college, and through her tenure with the college, she has served as a recruiter, Vice President for Advancement and as Executive Director of the Hinds Community College Foundation; and

WHEREAS, on November 4, 2021, the Foundation Board, led by the efforts of the chairman at that time, Percy Thornton, and the incoming chairman, Jimmy Morton, pledged to endow the Jackie Mangum Granberry Scholarship, which was established in 2008 by a gift from Dorothy Miley to show her appreciation and love for Mrs. Granberry, who has always been about the students; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Granberry co-founded, and for years, led Hinds Connection, the college's student recruiting and public relations group, and she has been the inspiration behind more than 40 years of Hinds awards programs and events, including the annual Golf Fun Fest that has raised $1.5 million for student scholarships; and

WHEREAS, with her leadership, the Foundation has grown to include $34.7 million in assets, an Endowment of more than $10.2 million and about $17 million in scholarship funds, and the Foundation typically awards $2.5 million annually in student scholarships; and

WHEREAS, despite all of the money she has helped raise for the college, Mrs. Granberry is best known for her down-to-earth, bubbly personality, effervescent smile and the one-on-one relationships she instantly creates with each person who has the opportunity to meet her and experience her greatness; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Granberry's long career at Hinds is filled with many achievements and honors, including being the college's first recruiter and first female vice president, becoming the youngest employee to earn the college's prestigious 3-E Award, which stands for Emphasis on Excellence and Enrichment, and is the college's highest employee distinction, receiving the LifeStar and Hinds Heroes employee awards, serving as co-chair of the Centennial committee and being named among the 100 People Passionate about Hinds; and

WHEREAS, while Mrs. Granberry's legacy began with working directly with students, starting Hinds Connection and taking the Foundation to new levels, she is ending her career not only with the endowed scholarship carrying her name but also starting a new volunteer group for Hinds retirees, like herself, to serve the college in new ways, from helping at special events to tackling time-consuming tasks in college offices, as service and students remain her passion and her mission; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Granberry is married to the love of her life, Mr. Kenny Granberry, who has supported her throughout her career, and they have two children, Michael and Christy; 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 Mrs. Jackie Granberry provided to the students, faculty and staff of Hinds Community College for over 42 years:

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 Mrs. Jackie Granberry provided to the students, faculty and staff of Hinds Community College upon the occasion of her 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 Mrs. Jackie Granberry and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.