Senate Resolution 84

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. ART SOUTHERLAND FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 24 YEARS AS A FACULTY MEMBER.

WHEREAS, Dr. Art Southerland has been an educator all of his adult life in a career that has spanned more than 40 years. He is retiring in May 2002 after 24 years as a faculty member at the University of Southern Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Southerland holds the rank of Professor of Educational Administration. His emphasis is in Higher Education Administration; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Southerland was Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Research from 1994-1999. During his tenure at USM, Art's service has included membership on the USM Faculty Senate, the Graduate Council, and numerous university-wide, college and department committees as well; and

WHEREAS, before coming to Mississippi, Art worked for twelve years as a music faculty member, Choral Director and Administrator in the Dallas County Community College District in Texas and served as Minister of Music in a number of churches; and

WHEREAS, during his years at USM, Dr. Southerland has taught, served as major advisor and been a doctoral committee member for hundreds of graduate students. He has earned a reputation of being an outstanding teacher, a superb listener, a highly effective motivator and an accomplished diplomat. His friendly, relaxed demeanor and his sense of humor, coupled with his knowledge and experience, have been instrumental in his ability to help others succeed; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Southerland's work as a consultant, workshop presenter and speaker for public schools, community/junior colleges, agencies, businesses and industries has taken him throughout Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Art and his wife, Polly, have two children and four grandchildren. They will continue to make Mississippi their home; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the service of this dedicated faculty member who has brought honor to his university, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Dr. Art Southerland, Professor of Educational Administration, for his 24 years of service to the University of Southern Mississippi, on the occasion of his retirement, and extend to him the best wishes of the Senate in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Southerland, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.