Senate Resolution 32

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING DR. ETHEL A. YOUNG-MINOR, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI, FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS.

WHEREAS, Dr. Ethel A. Young-Minor, Associate Professor of English and Afro-Studies, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), was nominated to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for commendation in recognition of Black History Month; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minorreceived her Ph.D. in English from Bowling Green State University (1997); M.A. in English from Bowling Green State University (1992); and B.A. in English from University of Tennessee (1990); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minorbegan her career as a Graduate Instructor at Bowling Green State University. She joined the staff of the University of Mississippi in 1996 as Associate Professor of English and Afro-Studies; and

WHEREAS, as an African-American female growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Minorovercame experiences that trap so many to fail. Dr. Minor's academic research has a large academic audience, and is called upon constantly to give lectures, keynote addresses, seminars and conferences in the Oxford and surrounding areas. She is able to use her academics to create systematic social changes—the true characteristic of an academician; and

WHEREAS, aside from Dr. Minor's "normal service" which typically includes the responsibilities associated with Ole Miss' African-American Studies Program, coordinating efforts of the annual Black History Month program, chairing committees as an Associate Professor in English and chairing committees of the Black Faculty and Staff organization, the university is uniquely benefited by Dr. Minor's presence on campus because of a perspective that she brings to the decision table that would otherwise not be represented or lost to a mistaken decision; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minoris a constant speaker at various functions on campus and her "alternative voice" provides an enrichment in students' education experience that would otherwise be missed. Her service extends to literature, to art, to science areas, and to the philosophical core of the university. She serves as a bridge between the university and a local minority community; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minor'scivic and community involvement includes organizer of Oxford Conference for the Book, an International Celebration of Writing and Celebration; organizer of Gospel in the Grove, a musical celebration including students from Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee from historically black and historically white colleges; District Women's Teacher for Tallahatchie-Oxford Missionary Baptist Church Association, organization of 18 black churches in Lafayette and Tallahatchie Counties; Associate Minister, Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Taylor, Mississippi, Organizer, Women's Empowerment Conference, Taylor, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minor'sprofessional memberships and activities include: member of College Language Association, Modern Language Association, Zora Neale Hurston Society, Mid-Atlantic Writer's Association, Tallahatchie/Oxford Ministerial Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Minorhas been recognized for her work by receiving the following honors and awards: College of Liberal Arts Teacher of the Year (2003); Mississippi Humanities Council Teacher of the Year (2003); Grammy-Nomination, Gospel Choir CD (2001); English Department Summer Research Grant (2001); Black History Committee Outstanding Service Award (2001); Apollo Faculty/Staff Legendary Achievement Award (2001); Alpha Kappa Faculty/Staff Service Award (2000); Finalist for University of Mississippi 1998-1999 First Service Award; recognized for impact on student life at Ole Miss, 1996-1997, 1997-1998, 1998-1999:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we take pride in recognizing Dr. Ethel Young-Minor, Associate Professor, University of Mississippi, in observance of Black History Month for her past performance, her current leadership and her future potential in addressing issues with respect to race relations and diversity which greatly impact the lives of students, faculty and staff at Ole Miss and civic leaders in the Oxford Community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Minorin recognition of her commitment to excellence in education, be forwarded to the Chancellor of the University of Mississippi and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.