House Resolution 53

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. PERRY MCGINNIS UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER.

WHEREAS, after many years of service, Dr. Perry McGinnis retired as dean of the University of Mississippi Medical Center's (UMC) School of Dentistry; and

WHEREAS, having earned his D.D.S. and undergoing additional postgraduate training in pathology at the University of Tennessee, Dr. McGinnis, prior to his recruitment to Mississippi in 1987, taught at Oral Roberts University and the University of Tennessee for a combined total of 23 years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McGinnis, after only five years of employment with UMC, was appointed in 1992 as Dean of the UMC School of Dentistry after his longtime friend and personal recruiter, Dr. John Hembree, retired; and

WHEREAS, attributing the accomplishments of the dental school to the exceptional quality of faculty and students, Dr. McGinnis has witnessed during his tenure a Nine Million Dollar increase in the school's research funding; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McGinnis has shared the enjoyment of the school's national reputation being enhanced by student scores on the national licensing examination, placing UMC in the top ten for 2001, exemplifying the superior quality of education provided and the students' zeal for learning; and

WHEREAS, held in high esteem by colleagues and students alike, Dr. McGinnis was awarded fellowship status in the Mississippi Dental Association, becoming the sixth recipient of the prestigious honor in 126 years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McGinnis, who has been lovingly supported by his wife, Carol, will retire to his native home in East Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend excellence in such outstanding and exemplary individuals as Dr. Perry McGinnis, who has achieved a high level of success in the field of dentistry and has contributed greatly to the success of the students and overall quality of education offered by the UMC School of Dentistry:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Perry McGinnis upon his retirement as Dean of the UMC School of Dentistry, and extend to him our heartiest wishes for many more years of good health, peace and happiness and success in all his future endeavors.

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