Senate Resolution 25

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING DR. WILLIAM A. PERSON, DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDIES AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY, FOR HIS EDUCATIONAL AND CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS.

WHEREAS, Dr. William A. Person, Director of Office of Graduate Studies and Professor of Curriculum and Instruction,Mississippi State University (MSU), was nominated to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for commendation in recognition of Black History Month; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Personreceived his Ed.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Georgia (1977); M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Georgia (1973); and B.A. in French from Johnson C. Smith University (1967); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Personbegan his career in 1963 as a Dormitory Counselor at Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina, and has been employed as a teacher with the Georgia Board of Education; Field Service Specialist at the University of Georgia at Athens; Field Service Specialist and Administrative Assistant at the University of Georgia at Athens. In 1977, he joined the staff of Mississippi State University as Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and has held several positions including his present position as Director of Graduate Studies; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Personserves as a role model and mentor for numerous students, as well as for young faculty and staff members. His guidance and encouragement have helped many students and young professionals to build on their potential and achieve their goals; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Person's contributions to diversity and to positive relations among all elements of the university and the broader community are numerous and varied, and are highlighted by his leadership efforts to promote minority graduate education at MSU and in other state institutions through the Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Personhas served on the Affirmative Action Committee; Diversity Committee; Scholarship/Assistantship Committee; Minority Issues Committee; Conference of Southern Graduate Schools; Consultant, numerous diversity workshops and presentations; Chair, Black Heritage Program in Starkville Public Schools; active in National Black Graduate Student Association; participation in multicultural education programs; principal investigator for external projects for under-represented students; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Person's civic and community involvement includes Recreational Director for Starkville Second Baptist Church since 1978; Board of Directors, George Evans Memorial Softball Tournament; Starkville Park Commission; Starkville Chamber of Commerce; and he has served on numerous committees in the Starkville Public School District; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Personhas been recognized for his work by receiving Certificate of Appreciation by the McNair Research Forum at Jackson State University (2001); Certificate of Appreciation by the 2000 Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi (AGEM) minority graduate education; Graduate of the PRO-MISS Institute of Leadership, Mississippi State University (1999); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Person'sprofessional memberships and activities include Vice President/President-elect, President, Conference of Southern Graduate Schools; Member, Planning Committee, Research Association of Minority Professors; Member, National Black Graduate Student Association Advisory Council; Executive Board, Council of Graduate Schools; Executive Board of Directors for the Mid-South Educational Research Association (MSERA); Executive Board of Directors for the Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi (AGEM); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Personhas written numerous journal articles, publications, and attended many professional meetings:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we take pride in recognizing Dr. William A. Person,Director of Graduate Studies at Mississippi State University, in observance of Black History Month for his commitment to positive advancement of diversity at Mississippi State University and in the State of Mississippi.

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