House Concurrent Resolution 4

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. JASON DEAN, EDUCATION POLICY ADVISOR TO GOVERNOR HALEY BARBOUR, ON HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE 2006-2007 CLASS OF WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS.

WHEREAS, the White House announced on June 16, 2006, the appointment by President George W. Bush of 14 individuals from across the country to serve as White House Fellows, which included the appointment of Dr. Jason Scott Dean, 32, Education Policy Advisor to Governor Haley Barbour; and

WHEREAS, as members of the 2006-2007 Class of White House Fellows, Dr. Dean and the other Fellows represent a diverse cross-section of professions including medicine, law, finance, education, state government and three branches of the military; and

WHEREAS, the White House Fellows Program, founded in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, offers exceptional young people, such as Dr. Dean, first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government; and

WHEREAS, the White House Fellows Program is one of the nation's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service and selection is highly competitive and is based on a record of remarkable professional achievement, evidence of leadership skills, a strong commitment to public service, and the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute successfully at the highest levels of the federal government; and

WHEREAS, White House Fellows typically spend one year working as full-time, paid special assistants to Senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials; and

WHEREAS, Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with leaders from the private and public sectors, and trips to study United States policy in action both domestically and abroad and after the fellowship year, many Fellows repay the privilege by contributing to the nation as better leaders and public servants; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dean has served as Education Policy Advisor to Governor Haley Barbour since 2004, where his responsibilities include budgetary and policy matters relating to public education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dean has successfully worked with the state's educational stakeholders and the Legislatureto pass the Governor's education agenda which included such vital issues as high school redesign, reducing the state's dropout rate, and addressing the critical shortage of teachers; and

WHEREAS, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Dean tirelessly worked with FEMA, state, and faith-based groups to coordinate a warehouse and shipping system, and his network of volunteers quickly placed in-kind national and international donations into critically affected areas; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dean's post-storm duties also included diligently working with and assisting schools and facilities in their recovery; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dean, knowing the importance of community service, has served as Chairman for the United Way of Ole Miss, as a board member for GEAR-UP, on the Public Education Forum, and on the Mayor's Commission on Public Safety, Big Brothers and other community service interests; and

WHEREAS, before joining the Governor's staff, Dr. Dean worked as Assistant Dean of Students and Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi where he made valuable contributions; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dean, a staunch believer in education, received a bachelor of arts degree in international studies from the University of Southern Mississippi and his master of arts and Ph.D. in education from the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dean has been lovingly supported in all his endeavors by his lovely wife, Courtney, and their delightful child, Mary Bogan; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize outstanding Mississippians such as Dr. Dean, who has been an effective advocate for various education initiatives in the Legislature on behalf of Governor Barbour, and whose presence will be missed as he embarks on a prestigious new assignment in public service which brings great recognition to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Jason Scott Dean, Education Policy Advisor to Governor Haley Barbour, on his recent appointment to the 2006-2007 Class of the White House Fellows by President George W. Bush, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Legislature as he represents our state in this prestigious program of public service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Jason S. Dean, Governor Haley Barbour and members of the Capitol Press Corps.