House Resolution 30

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE WORKS AND CONTRIBUTION OF DR. WILLIAM A. MCMILLAN, SR., TO THE CITY OF HOLLY SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI, AND MARSHALL COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, William Asbury McMillan, Sr., was born the fifth child to James and Lydia McMillan in Winnabow, North Carolina, where he received his formal education, graduating as valedictorian of his class at Brunswick County Training School; and

WHEREAS, he earned his bachelor's degree at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, with honors, and earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Michigan, undergoing additional studies at Harvard, the College of Medical Evangelists and the University of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McMillan worked as a public school teacher in Pennsylvania and North Carolina and as an instructor and guidance counselor at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas; and

WHEREAS, having served as Academic Dean of Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, for nine years, Dr. McMillan assumed the presidency of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in 1967; and

WHEREAS, during his 26-year tenure as president, before his retirement in 1993, Dr. McMillan fostered and witnessed increases in enrollment, faculty credentials, endowments, alumni contributions, the annual budget and a shift from an unaccredited to a fully accredited college; and

WHEREAS, since his retirement in 1993, Dr. McMillan has continued to serve in various leadership and administrative capacities throughout the state, the nation and the world, including: having served as a visiting consultant at Africa University in Mutera, Zimbabwe, South Africa; consultant at Bethune Cookman College; having conducted workshops on trustee development for boards of trustees in more than fifteen United Negro College Fund (UNCF) member colleges; and chairperson for the Omega Psi Phi/UNCF Campaign Committee; and

WHEREAS, in addition to meeting his professional obligations, Dr. McMillan continues to be active in many organizations inspiring leadership in youth and adults alike, including: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Concerned Citizens Coalition of Marshall County, Gentlemen of Quality Club, West Woodward Neighborhood Watch, Marshall County Youth Leadership, Yocona Area Boy Scouts Board of Directors, Tourism and Recreation Bureau of Holly Springs, Alliance Health Care Systems Board of Trustees and Community Development Corporation; and

WHEREAS, for his commendable efforts and community contributions, Dr. McMillan has received more than 300 awards, including the Silver Beaver Award for his leadership in scouting and the CIC Exemplar Award; and

WHEREAS, for his outstanding achievements in educational leadership, he has received several honorary degrees, including those bestowed upon him by Johnson C. Smith University, Cornell University, Bethune Cookman College and Mary Holmes College, in addition to being named the first African American to serve as President of the Mississippi Association of Colleges; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by such outstanding individuals as Dr. McMillan, whose charitable, civic, social and professional volunteerism has established a benchmark of distinction for service:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the works and contributions of Dr. William A. McMillan, Sr., provided to the City of Holly Springs, Marshall County and the entire State of Mississippi.

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