House Concurrent Resolution 85

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DR. ARTHUR H. KINNARD, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Dr. Arthur H. Kinnard, Jr., a former associate professor of history at Mississippi Valley State University, departed this earthly life on February 16, 2011, at the blessed age of 77, to enter into eternal rest, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, a native of Franklin, Tennessee, Dr. Kinnard, who always knew the importance and value of continuing his education, earned a bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University in 1955; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kinnard began his connection with the great State of Mississippi when he became a valuable member of the faculty of Utica Junior College, a position that enriched the lives of college students as he shared his passion for teaching while expanding the minds of young college students; and

WHEREAS, due to his effectiveness and overall leadership at Utica Junior College, Dr. Kinnard became the acting president of the college from 1971-1974, and due mainly to his outstanding guidance, the college became fully accredited for the first time; and

WHEREAS, after making vast contributions at Utica Junior College, Dr. Kinnard left the presidency at the college and earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University in 1976, and after receiving his degree, he joined the faculty of Mississippi Valley State University where he taught history; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kinnard continued his legacy at Mississippi Valley State University of expanding the young minds of college students by educating them on their history until his retirement from this great university in 2000; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being one who loved to teach, Dr. Kinnard had a passion for capturing life's images through photography, and as a result, he operated a small photography business which flourished due to his zeal and love of taking photos; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kinnard, a man of many talents, was also a leader in the community where he served for many years in the following organizations: the Leflore County Retired Teachers' Association, now known as the Leflore County Retired Educators' Association, the Mississippi Historical Society and the Greenwood Voters League; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kinnard, a Christian, was also an active member as a deacon of Strangers' Home, where he effectively served as a past chairman of the deacon board; and

WHEREAS, in all of his endeavors, Dr. Kinnard was supported by his loving wife, Ouida, and their four successful children, Arthur, Carl, Kevin and Carla; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the life and legacy of a great educator and positive role model such as Dr. Kinnard, who has touched the lives of countless individuals in academia, the church, as well as the community:

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 and legacy of Dr. Arthur H. Kinnard, Jr., and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Dr. Arthur Kinnard and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.