House Concurrent Resolution 120

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. MARION R. WELLS ON HIS RECEIPT OF THE MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AND HIS OUTSTANDING CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR OVER FORTY YEARS.

WHEREAS, Dr. Marion R. Wells was awarded the Career Achievement Award in August of 2002 by the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Foundation for his profound contributions in the areas of teaching, educational innovation, publication, research/creative activity, public service, university service and service to the higher education profession; and

WHEREAS, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Wells is a 1955 graduate of Central High School; and

WHEREAS, after gaining his educational foundation in the Jackson Public School System, Dr. Wells furthered his education at the University of Memphis where he earned a bachelor of science in chemistry in 1960, and a master of arts in biology in 1963, and in 1971, he earned a doctor of philosophy in zoology from Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wells began his career in higher education, in 1963, as an instructor at Troy State University where he taught for two years, and from 1964 through the present he has taught at MTSU where he has progressed from an instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, to a full-tenured professor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wells has served in various other areas in higher education, such as a summer instructor at Mississippi State University in 1970, a Research and Public Service Coordinator at MTSU's College of Basic and Applied Sciences from 1974-1975 and as MTSU's Associate Dean of the Graduate College from 1992-1995; and

WHEREAS, a distinguished pioneer in the scientific community, Dr. Wells was the first to show and report that certain pesticides can be decomposed in a freshwater flatworm and the liver of certain fishes and reptiles and he was the first to show a method or resistance to pesticides, at the cellular level, in fresh water fishes collected from the Mississippi Delta; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wells has been recognized for his work in higher education and has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished University Scientist Award from the Tennessee Academy of Sciences in 1999, MTSU Presidential Merit Recognition in 1994, MTSU CASE Professor of the Year, Carnegie Foundation in 1991 and 1992, MTSU Outstanding Research Award in 1984 and the MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award in 1974; and

WHEREAS, although very active in academia, Dr. Wells has also worked tirelessly in community organizations such as the Exchange Club of Murfreesboro, Tennessee District Exchange Clubs, Noon Exchange Club, Central Middle School Parent Teachers Club, Community Care of Rutherford County, First Step Ministries and the Middle Tennessee Choral Society; and

WHEREAS, due to his work in community organizations, Dr. Wells has received honors, such as the Exchangite of the Year, Outstanding Presidents' Award (National Exchange Clubs), Tennessee District Exchange Bulletin Award and the Sprage Award for Outstanding Exchange Club in Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi to congratulate an individual, such as Dr. Marion R. Wells, who has shared his knowledge with those in higher education and has made overall contributions to the scientific community and to overall society:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Marion R. Wells on his receipt of the Middle Tennessee State University Career Achievement Award and for his outstanding career achievements in higher education for over forty years.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Marion R. Wells and the Capitol Press Corps.