House Concurrent Resolution 77

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE OF PRESIDENT LEE GARDNER ROYCE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS THE PRESIDENT OF MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE.

WHEREAS, from 2002 until 2018, President Lee Gardner Royce served with honor, distinction and steadfast faith as Mississippi College's leader, and for 16 years, the students, faculty and staff benefitted tremendously from his cardinal guidance and innate leadership abilities; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Royce provided extraordinary service as president to strengthen Mississippi College and build the institution's national reputation, and with Dr. Royce at the helm, the Mississippi College budget nearly doubled to $75.5 million, and enrollment grew from 3,200 students to nearly 5,200 students; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Royce served as the chief proponent of the university's "Growing the Vision" campaign that raised $87.4 million for scholarships, facilities, academic programs and the university endowment; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Royce and his wife, Rhoda, served as tireless goodwill ambassadors and exceptional role models for Mississippi College across the State of Mississippi, the United States and in other countries; and

WHEREAS, through his representation of the state's oldest institution of higher learning, Dr. Royce likewise served as an able and respected ambassador of the State of Mississippi and its higher education community across the United States and in other countries; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Royce demonstrated an extraordinary gift of personally relating to others, especially students, who viewed him as approachable and genuinely interested in their thoughts and general well-being; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Royce utilized his position as president to strongly support Mississippi College's hometown of Clinton, Mississippi, and develop solid relationships and partnerships with local leaders across the metro Jackson area; and

WHEREAS, for more than 190 years, Mississippi College has been shaped by individuals who have devoted their time, energy, and expertise to improving the quality of the students' experiences, both in and out of the classroom, and Dr. Royce has been an integral part of advancing the institution, as his legacy encompasses, among other significant achievements, Clinton Citizen of the Year, and the Executive of the Year in the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education's Southern Region III; and

WHEREAS, the ideal person to lead Mississippi College for the last 16 years, Dr. Royce's high standards of competence, strenuous work ethic, and ardent commitment to quality methods and operations became an example that others strive to emulate and greatly improved Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, President Lee Royce and his wife, Rhoda, are beloved by Mississippi College faculty, staff, students, alumni, the Clinton community and other friends of the university, and the Royces will be sorely missed during their retirement years in Northern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor the steadfast devotion to the betterment of Mississippi College and honor the zealous vow of impeccable leadership that Dr. Lee Gardner Royce bestowed upon the students, faculty, administration and alumni as the President of Mississippi College:

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 distinguished career and meritorious leadership and service of Dr. Lee Gardner Royce upon the occasion of his retirement as the President of Mississippi College and extend sincere wishes for continued success and joy in the lighter days ahead.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Lee Gardner Royce and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.