MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Chism, Beckett, Dickson, Ellis, Gibbs, Harrison, Horne, McCoy, Reed, Robinson (84th), Smith (39th), Snowden, Young
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. THOMAS L. DAVIS, JR., FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF MANY YEARS TO EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas L. Davis, Jr., will retire as President of East Mississippi Community College after more than 49 years of committed and diligent service to educating many Mississippi citizens; and
WHEREAS, born on January 5, 1934, in Prentiss County, Mississippi, Dr. Davis graduated from Calhoun City High School, broadened his basic educational learning and training by earning his associate degree from East Mississippi Junior College, his bachelor of science degree from Mississippi College, his master of science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and his doctor of education degree from Mississippi State University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Davis began his career in education at the Pachuta High School in 1955, and has since shared his vast wealth of educational knowledge with students in Mississippi, Louisiana and Missouri on both the secondary and collegiate levels in instructional and administrative capacities; and
WHEREAS, after a three-year period as Vice President and District Director of Institutional Research and Planning at Holmes Community College's Goodman Campus, Dr. Davis was selected in 1990 to lead the campus of East Mississippi Community College as the institution's president; and
WHEREAS, in his new position of leadership, Dr. Davis served as an ambassador for the school, saving it from the brink of possible closure, in addition to overseeing an enrollment increase of more than 261 percent, providing financial solidarity, improving the college's public image and legislative relations for increased funding, and organizing and implementing extensive building and renovation programs for both campuses; and
WHEREAS, during his illustrious career in education, Dr. Davis has served as a member of many task force committees, boards of directors and other professional organizations, including: the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Colleges, the Southern Association of Community, Junior and Technical Colleges, the Community Colleges of Appalachia, the American Association of Community Colleges Presidents Academy, the Kemper County Small Business Incubator, Phi Delta Kappa, the Mississippi Public Junior College Task Force, the North Mississippi Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and the Mississippi Association of Coaches; and
WHEREAS, a devoted husband, Dr. Davis is married to the former Rita Chatham, and together they have two children, Thomas III and Jonathan, who have supported him in all of his undertakings; and
WHEREAS, a faithfully devoted member of the Scooba Baptist Church, where he is an ordained deacon, Sunday school teacher, and frequent lay speaker, Dr. Davis, by surrounding himself with effective and capable people, attributes his success of East Mississippi Community College to God; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Davis, who exhibits a positive attitude and trusts, respects and believes in his employees, is to be commended for his many valued services and contributions provided to Mississippi's educational system provided throughout his 49-year career:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Thomas L. Davis, Jr., upon his retirement after 49 years of dedicated and exemplary service to the citizens of Mississippi, and we extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Thomas L. Davis, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.