Senate Resolution 24

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ANDRE JAURON HEATH, ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN FOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, FOR HIS EDUCATIONAL AND CIVIC LEADERSHIP.

WHEREAS, Andre Jauron Heath, Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives, College of Science and Technology,the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), was nominated to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for commendation in observance of Black History Month; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heathreceived his M.Ed. degree in Counseling and College Student Personnel from the University of Southern Mississippi (2002); and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi (1996); and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heathhas worked as a Resident Assistant and Senior Admissions Counselor at the University of Southern Mississippi prior to his appointment in 2002 as Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives, College of Science and Technology; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heathhas always been one to work hard to see things improve. At USM, he has been involved with advisement of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Men of Excellence. He was chosen as Leader for the New Century where he worked hard to improve life for those in the Hattiesburg Community, while working to build better race relations; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heathin his current role as Site Coordinator for the Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi, has the opportunity to travel and represent USM while helping to continue to build bridges among the races and the universities in the state of Mississippi. He is respected by everyone who knows him. His easygoing, positive attitude helps to garner respect and trust from all people with whom he has contact; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heath's civic and community involvement include Hattiesburg American Community board member, PACE Headstart Parent Volunteer; member of Petal School District Strategic Planning Core; Petal Education Foundation board member; Area Development Partnership Legislative Update Committee co-chair; and N.R. Burger Middle School Community Mentor; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heathhas received the 2001 Area Development Partnership Leaders for a New Century award; Fourth Annual Soul Food Luncheon Keynote Speaker (sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi African-American History Month Committee); and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heath'sprofessional memberships and activities include the University of Southern Mississippi Association of Office Professionals; Area Development Partnership Leadership Steering Committee; National Black Graduate Student Association (NBGSA); and National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME):

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we take pride in recognizing Andre Jauron Heath, Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives, the University of Southern Mississippi, in observance of Black History Month for his commitment to the positive advancement of diversity at the University of Southern Mississippi and in the Hattiesburg Community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. Heath in recognition of his commitment to higher education, be forwarded to the President of the University of Southern Mississippi and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.