House Resolution 114

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. STEPHAN M. NELSON UPON BEING ELECTED BY ACCLAMATION AS THE 46TH PRESIDENT OF THE PHI KAPPA TAU NATIONAL FRATERNITY AND ACKNOWLEDGING HIS UPCOMING INSTALLATION TO OFFICE DURING THE NATIONAL CONVENTION IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, ON JULY 25-29, 2012.

WHEREAS, Mr. Stephan M. Nelson, a lifelong resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, and successful product of the Gulfport Public School System, as a member of Gulfport High School 1972 graduating class, was recently selected to preside over the Phi Kappa Tau National Fraternity as its President, and will be installed into office during the organization's national convention during the week of July 25-29, 2012; and

WHEREAS, the son of Harold M. and Thelma P. Nelson, Mr. Nelson, attended the University of Southern Mississippi subsequent to his high school graduation where his collegiate matriculation resulted in the attainment of a bachelor of science degree in political science in 1976, a bachelor of science degree in athletic administration and coaching in 1977, a fellowship for master's degree studies in political science for 1977-1978, and completed 18 hours of doctoral studies in educational administration between the years of 1980-1982; and

WHEREAS, one who has always expressed pride in his roots as a Mississippian and of his Mississippi education, Mr. Nelson has always endeavored to his utmost ability to represent our state with dignity and character as he has traveled across the country speaking on university campuses and visiting with university, state, political, and business officials throughout his professional career with the University of Southern Mississippi, as Honors College Recruiter (1978-1979), Assistant to Athletic Director as Athletic Advisor and Academic Counselor for Intercollegiate Athletics (1979-1981) and assistant to head football coach (1982), and subsequent thereto in entrepreneurial enterprise as President/owner of S.M.N. Properties, Inc. (1983-present); and

WHEREAS, in his new role as President of the Phi Kappa Tau National Fraternity, which represents over 90,000 alumni from across the nation and 3,200 undergraduates from 146 university chapters across 39 states, Mr. Nelson will continue to promote the tradition of founding principles of PKT to champion the development of men of character through the foundational elements and the educational building blocks of: "Learning. Leading. Serving."; and

WHEREAS, possessing the identifiable traits characteristic of a Phi Kappa Tau member of distinction, the three precepts of PKT's focus are evident in Mr. Nelson's record of civic involvement, professional affiliations and community service, which include: Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board of Directors; University of Southern Mississippi "Long Range Planning Committee"; University of Southern Mississippi Eagle Club; Faculty Advisor to the University of Southern Mississippi "M" Club, "Fellowship of Christian Athletes" and the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity; Phi Kappa Tau Foundation National Board of Trustees, former national vice president, former member of the National Council (Board of Directors), Domain (Regional) Director of Phi Kappa Tau Chapters in the State of Mississippi; facilitator of the construction of new fraternity house dormitories at the University of Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University; Association of Fraternity Advisors; Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Honorary); Gulfport Kiwanis Club, Gridiron Club, Sports Association Volunteer Coach football/baseball with 20 years of service and High School Booster Club; St. John High School Budget Steering Committee and Booster Club; and

WHEREAS, actively involved in advancing the mission of St. James Catholic Church of which he has been a member since 1954, he has served on the Parish Building Committee and the Parish Knights of Columbus Council; and

WHEREAS, the loving husband of Belinda Faler Nelson, proud father of Stephanie Anne Nelson, Stephan Maxie Nelson II, Saxon Faler Nelson, Savanna Amanda Nelson and Sophia Jacqueline Nelson, and a doting grandfather of David Nelson Hathcock and Mitchell Dominick Nelson, Mr. Nelson has enjoyed the continuous support and inspiration given him by his family throughout all of his professional and personal accomplishments, including: Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals, Who's Who in Real Estate, Outstanding Young Men of America, 1977 University of Southern Mississippi Hall of Fame inductee; Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity "William H. Shideler Award" presented to the outstanding undergraduate in the nation; and Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the exceptional profile of such remarkably selfless individuals of Mr. Nelson's caliber, whose zealous commitment to uplift and inspire academic greatness and brotherhood among collegiate and post-collegiate academicians is the living embodiment of Phi Kappa Tau:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Stephan M. Nelson upon being elected by acclamation as the 46th President of the Phi Kappa Tau National Fraternity, acknowledge his upcoming installation to office during the national convention in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 25-29, 2012, and express most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Nelson, the Phi Kappa Tau National Fraternity Headquarters and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.