House Concurrent Resolution 3

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF DR. CLINTON BRISTOW, JR., PRESIDENT OF ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Dr. Clinton Bristow, Jr., who was named Alcorn State University's 16th President on August 24, 1995, departed this earthly life on Saturday, August 19, 2006, at the age of 57, causing great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and to the Alcorn campus; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bristow labored diligently to promote the university's image and marketability, as he remained committed to transforming Alcorn into the educational and social epicenter of southwest Mississippi and northeast Louisiana, ensuring that the institution successfully evolved into a "Public Ivy"; and

WHEREAS, a visionary leader who challenged those around him, particularly students, to accomplish as much as possible with an assurance to benefit others with their success, Dr. Bristow appropriately coined the term "ASU equals CEO" for the institution he led with a deep-rooted passion; and

WHEREAS, having earned his bachelor of arts, Ph.D and juris doctorate degrees from Northwestern University and his master of arts degree in business administration from Governors State University, Dr. Bristow was well equipped to lead Alcorn into the wave of the future over the course of his 11 years as president; and

WHEREAS, experienced in higher education administration prior to his selection to lead Alcorn, Dr. Bristow, who formerly served as President of the Chicago Board of Education, Dean of the College of Business at Chicago State University and Vice President at Olive-Harvey College in Chicago, used his ingenuity and intuitiveness to inspire students, colleagues and those in his employ to aspire for greatness; and

WHEREAS, active in many organizations, those professional, civic and social in nature, he used his affiliations and associations in such auxiliaries to catapult Alcorn ahead by creating a legacy of growth and development as evidenced by his role in spearheading one of the most comprehensive capital improvement programs in the history of Mississippi, beneficial to the entire region reflected by Alcorn's injection of more than $100 million in the local economy through campus projects over the last decade; and

WHEREAS, the institution of Alcorn State University has suffered a devastating loss, as well as the State of Mississippi and HBCUs across the nation, as one of its great ambassadors of educational viability has succumbed to an untimely demise; and

WHEREAS, though Dr. Bristow's immediate presence can no longer be experienced, the impact of his tenured legacy will be shared by all who grace the Alcorn campus or participate in any program established under his systematic leadership; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the life of such a remarkable administrator, educator and champion of education as Dr. Bristow, whose impact greatly enhanced the campus of Alcorn State University and empowered the minds and dreams of the institution's students and alumni:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and contributions of Dr. Clinton Bristow, Jr., to Alcorn State University, the State of Mississippi and the education arena throughout the nation and abroad, and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Alcorn State University, the family of Dr. Bristow and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.