Senate Resolution 8

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF DR. ARTHUR H. KINNARD, JR., FORMER PRESIDENT OF UTICA JUNIOR COLLEGE AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY.

WHEREAS, Dr. Arthur H. Kinnard, Jr., 77, former President of Utica Junior College and Associate Professor of History at Mississippi Valley State University, passed away on February 16, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of Franklin, Tennessee, Dr. Kinnard received his bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University in 1955. His Mississippi history began as a member of the faculty of Utica Junior College. He served as acting President of the school from 1971 to 1974. Dr. Kinnard's leadership was largely responsible for the institution's becoming fully accredited for the first time; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kinnard left the Presidency of Utica Junior College to further his education at Kansas State University in 1976, where in 1976, he received his doctorate in curriculum and instruction. Later that year, he joined the faculty of Mississippi Valley State University teaching history. He retired from the Itta Bena university in 2000; and

WHEREAS, fellow faculty members described Dr. Kinnard as a very effective and very productive person. He also operated a small photography business and enjoyed it; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kinnard served for many years with the Leflore County Retired Teachers' Association, now known as the Leflore County Retired Educators' Association. He also served on the Mississippi Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, a Deacon at Strangers' Home, Dr. Kinnard was past Chairman of the Deacon Board. He also served on the Board of the Greenwood Voters League; and

WHEREAS, Senator David Jordan described Dr. Kinnard as a good person. "He was a great man. He was a friend to mankind," Jordan said; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kinnard is also survived by four children; Arthur Kinnard III and Carl Kinnard, both of Jackson; Kevin Kinnard of Atlanta; and Carla Kinnard of Greenwood; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of a respected educator who served this present age and made a positive impact on the lives of other Mississippians:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the educational contributions of Dr. Arthur H. Kinnard, Jr., former President of Utica Junior College and Associate Professor of History at Mississippi Valley State University, and extend our sympathy to his surviving family on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Kinnard, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.