MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Polk, Barnett, Dawkins, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), McDaniel, Parker, Seymour
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT CHAIR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURISM AND SPORT MANAGEMENT AND INTERIM CHAIR AND FACULTY MEMBER IN MARKETING AND MERCHANDISING DR. WILLIAM SMITH ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, Dr. William Smith received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1971, Master of Business Administration in 1972 from Florida State University, and Doctorate in Business Administration in 1985 from Louisiana Tech University. He joined the University of Southern Mississippi as a faculty member on August 20, 1979. He worked at the Research and Innovation Institute in 1981-1983 and took a leave of absence to complete his DBA in 1984-1985; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith returned to The University of Southern Mississippi on the faculty on August 24, 1985, as an Assistant Professor, and was approved for tenure on April 20, 1993, with scholarships appearing in Industrial Marketing Management, The International Journal of Purchasing and Materials Management and Economic Development Review. He proceeded to work and teach for the next 31 years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith also served in many administrative capacities: Coordinator of British Studies in 1995; Assistant Dean for Corporate Relations and Assistant Professor from 2000-2003; Director of Graduate Programs, 2004-2005; Chair of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, 2013-2016; and Interim Chair of the Department of Marketing and Merchandising, 2015-2016; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith has taught thousands of students over his tenure and made considerable contributions to their careers through their understanding of creative marketing, principles of marketing, marketing research, sales, strategy, industrial marketing and economic development; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith taught thousands of executives and practitioners throughout the Gulf South region over 37 years in topics and skills such as sales, economic development marketing management and marketing topics; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith served on many community and civic organizations: the Wesley Manor Retirement Community; Area Development Partnership; DuBard School of Language Disorders; Southern Economic Development Council; Sales and Marketing Executives International of Hattiesburg; Pine Belt Workforce Training Consortium; and North Forrest High School. He provided consulting services free of charge to others in the state and region; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith has been recognized for his high level of teaching and service to students with:
· The Excellence in Teaching Award for the University of Southern Mississippi;
· The South Central Bell Outstanding Faculty Member Award, twice; and
· The Distinguished Marketing Award from the Sales and Marketing Executives, International; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith's service to the university, state and region has always been provided with the highest integrity, enthusiasm and quality, and it is with great pride that we commend a legacy of professional values that Dr. William "Bill" Smith has brought honor to his university, his community and the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend Dr. William "Bill" Smith for his service to the State of Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. William Smith, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.