House Resolution 114

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. JOHN M. HILPERT, PRESIDENT OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Dr. John M. Hilpert, seventh President of Delta State University, has announced his intentions to retire in the spring of 2013 after nearly a decade of superior leadership at the Cleveland, Mississippi, state institution of higher learning; and

WHEREAS, highly regarded as an outstanding leader in the field of education, Dr. Hilpert, whose notable career in higher education administration has spanned 35 years, came to Delta State on September 1, 2003, with a vision of working together with the school's students, faculty and staff to create the best regional university in America; and

WHEREAS, during the ten years of Dr. Hilpert's DSU presidency, the university has made significant strides toward achieving Dr. Hilpert's lofty goal, as evidenced by the school's remarkable graduation rate and growing academic reputation, along with many positive improvements to the Cleveland campus, which won a best practices award for its efforts in energy conservation, including: the construction of Foundation Hall; the completion of the Delta Music Institute; improvements to the aviation facilities; the institution of the Healthy Campus/Community Initiative; the realization of the Hazel and Jimmy Sanders Sculpture Garden; and the implementation of the first tobacco-free policy for a public university in the state; and

WHEREAS, while Dr. Hilpert has worked throughout his tenure at DSU to ensure that the school meets its budgetary and organizational goals, one of the high points of his administration has been Delta State's selection as one of only nine summer institute sites in the nation for Teach For America which, by bringing high-achieving young teachers to low-income communities, has greatly benefited not only the lives of countless individual students, but the entire region and State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, today, the regional school of 4,000-plus students finds itself boasting a strong relationship with the City of Cleveland and surrounding communities and a healthy DSU Foundation to offer solid, private financial support to the university for scholarships, development and institutional progress; and

WHEREAS, respected by his peers throughout the higher education community for his depth of knowledge and exceptional leadership ability, Dr. Hilpert was elected President of the Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities in 2008 and served three terms as Chairman of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the regional accrediting body for more than 800 postsecondary institutions; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hilpert, also a talented author who is frequently sought after to speak to different groups on a variety of topics, has written many pieces for scholarly and other publications, including his monthly column published in Cleveland's hometown newspaper and occasionally picked up by other regional dailies throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his steadfast work in the realm of higher education, Dr. Hilpert has volunteered countless hours throughout his career to various community and professional organizations, including his dedicated service from 2003 to 2011 as board President of the Delta Health Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare and providing education for healthier lifestyles for those who make the Mississippi Delta their home; and

WHEREAS, when Dr. Hilpert arrived on the campus of DSU in 2003, he brought with him a wealth of experience in higher education administration, having previously served in numerous leadership roles at different reputable postsecondary institutions, including his service as: President of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, for six years; Executive Vice President and acting President of the University of South Dakota; Vice President of Thiel College in Pennsylvania; and executive assistant to the President of Suomi College, now Finlandia University, in Michigan; and

WHEREAS, before being awarded a Ph.D. from the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Michigan, where he won the John S. Brubacher Award for scholarly excellence in the history of higher education, Dr. Hilpert earned a two-year diploma from St. Paul's College in Missouri, a bachelor of arts degree from Concordia Senior College in Indiana and a master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in Missouri; and

WHEREAS, as Dr. Hilpert and his wife of over 40 years, Pat, prepare to say goodbye to Delta State in anticipation of spending more time with their children and grandchildren and enjoying a more relaxed pace between their homes in the Delta and South Dakota, it is most appropriate that we respectfully acknowledge Dr. Hilpert's significant contributions to Delta State University and the Delta Region which, by increasing countless Mississippians' chance for success through access to improved educational opportunities, have greatly benefited not only the individual lives of many, but the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Dr. John M. Hilpert, President of Delta State University, on the occasion of his retirement and extend best wishes for a long and healthy retirement marked by continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. John M. Hilpert, Delta State University, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.