MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Moak, Akins, Aldridge, Arinder, Bailey, Baker (74th), Baker (8th), Banks, Barnett, Beckett, Bentz, Blackmon, Bondurant, Bounds, Broomfield, Brown, Buck, Burnett, Calhoun, Capps, Carlton, Chism, Clark, Clarke, Coleman (29th), Coleman (65th), Compretta, Cummings, Davis, Dedeaux, Denny, Dickson, Eaton, Ellington, Ellis, Espy, Evans, Fillingane, Flaggs, Fleming, Formby, Franks, Fredericks, Frierson, Gadd, Gibbs, Green, Gregory, Guice, Gunn, Hamilton (109th), Hamilton (6th), Harrison, Hines, Holland, Holloway, Horne, Howell, Huddleston, Hudson, Ishee, Janus, Jennings, Johnson, Lott, Malone, Markham, Martinson, Masterson, Mayhall, Mayo, McBride, McCoy, Middleton, Miles, Mims, Montgomery, Moore, Morris, Moss, Myers, Nicholson, Parker, Patterson, Peranich, Perkins, Read, Reed, Reeves, Reynolds, Robinson (63rd), Robinson (84th), Rogers (14th), Rogers (61st), Rotenberry, Scott, Shows, Simpson, Smith (27th), Smith (39th), Smith (59th), Snowden, Staples, Stevens, Straughter, Stringer, Sullivan, Taylor, Thomas, Turner, Upshaw, Vince, Ward, Warren, Watson, Weathersby, Wells-Smith, Whittington, Woods, Young, Zuber
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DEDICATED, DILIGENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE OF DR. HORACE C. HOLMES, SR., TO SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, Horace C. Holmes, who has served as President of Southwest Mississippi Community College (Southwest) since 1972, recently announced his retirement to be effective on June 30, 2005; and
WHEREAS, born July 19, 1924, in Belden, Lee County, Mississippi, President Holmes received his high school diploma from Sherman High School in Pontotoc County, undergoing further matriculation at Jones Junior College, earning his associate of arts degree, and at the University of Southern Mississippi, earning both his bachelor of science and master of arts degrees; and
WHEREAS, President Holmes completed additional studies at Mississippi State University, and for his momentous contributions to the educational arena, was presented an honorary doctorate by Mississippi College; and
WHEREAS, with over 51 years of service to Southwest, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the 80-year-old Holmes' retirement letter was accepted by the board of trustees on Tuesday, March 8, 2005; and
WHEREAS, President Holmes came to Southwest in 1953 to assume the position of psychology instructor and boys' basketball coach after a five-year tenure as coach at Johnston Station and Loyd Star High Schools, and what was to be a one-year stay evolved into a half century; and
WHEREAS, he became Dean of Men in 1955 while continuing his teaching responsibilities, and in 1957, he became assistant to the president; by 1962, Horace C. Holmes was Dean of Instruction, a role he continued until July 1, 1972, when he assumed the presidency of Southwest; and
WHEREAS, having served a long, distinguished and successful career, President Holmes is known by his colleagues and students to be intelligent, hardworking, loyal, friendly and concerned about the quality of education for all students of Southwest Mississippi Community College; and
WHEREAS, having his name become synonymous with that of Southwest, President Holmes' tenure has seen substantial growth in status within the junior/community college system, as well as a growth in size, enrollment and faculty; and
WHEREAS, the support and insight that President Holmes emanated over the course of his educational and administrative career at Southwest is indicative of his commitment to ensuring that Southwest fulfilled its mission to serve the citizens of its district by providing lower-division college, occupational, and continuing education courses, as well as community services, to meet the diverse needs of the population at a reasonable cost; and
WHEREAS, President Holmes has enjoyed the constant companionship, support, encouragement and love of his family, including his wife, Rebecca Lefay McClelland Holmes, and sons, Horace C. (Butch) Holmes, Jr., and Larry McClelland Holmes, who have witnessed his success in catapulting Southwest into the ranks of notability among community and junior colleges throughout the state, region and nation; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this gentleman who has done so much for a small community college in southwest Mississippi and for its students during the past 51 plus years, while staying actively involved with his family, church and community, and whose professional and civic dedication serve as a model for all citizens in the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Horace C. Holmes, Sr., President of Southwest Mississippi Community College for more than 51 years of outstanding service to this institution and to the community/junior college system of Mississippi, and extend to him and his family the best wishes in the lighter days of his retirement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Horace C. Holmes, President of Southwest Mississippi Community College and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.