MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Blount, Branning, Frazier, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE OF DR. VERNON CLYDE MUSE AS PRESIDENT OF HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT ON JUNE 30, 2020, AFTER 42 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE.
WHEREAS, few individuals can rival the public service Dr. Clyde Muse has rendered to our state during his 70-year career in Mississippi public education. He has dedicated his professional career to ensuring that all individuals have access to affordable and quality education; and
WHEREAS, after 70 years of service in education, 42 of which have been in the capacity as the Chief Administrative Officer of Hinds Community College, Dr. Clyde Muse will retire on June 30, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Vernon Clyde Muse began his life's journey as the son of a preacher in Benton County, Mississippi. He attended East Central Community College on a basketball scholarship. Dr. Muse completed his Associate of Arts Degree in 1949 and continued on to Delta State University. After a stellar career on the basketball court, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education with honors in 1952; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Muse pursued higher education at Mississippi State University, completing his Master of Education and Doctor of Education Degrees in School Administration. During this time, he supported his family, teaching first at Canton High School and later at Starkville High School. In addition to being a classroom teacher, he coached high school track and basketball and assisted in coaching high school football; and
WHEREAS, after completing his Master of Education Degree in 1959, Dr. Muse served in various positions in public school administration throughout the state, including principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Muse was an active mentor and coached successful athletic teams. One of his most admirable accomplishments included the implementation of desegregation laws in his district in 1970; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 1978, Dr. Muse became President of Hinds Community College, the state's largest community college. His 40 years of leadership at the helm of Hinds Community College has earned him the distinction of being known as the Elder Statesman of the Mississippi Community College System. Using his keen ability to build consensus, he has led coalitions of elected officials, community leaders, and education partners through significant financial and political obstacles in order to improve access to higher education in Mississippi. He has been a successful champion for the development of public policy that benefits the students and communities served by Mississippi's two-year colleges; and
WHEREAS, in addition to serving as President and Chairman of numerous professional organizations, Dr. Muse served as Legislative Committee Chairman of the Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges for almost 30 years. In that capacity, he guided legislation that removed barriers and created opportunities for community college students across the state. His strong relationship with Mississippi's congressional delegation has safeguarded the Pell Grant Program and brought federal dollars to Mississippi to support community colleges; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Muse's concern for the education and well-being of all individuals is evident by his involvement in various civic and religious organizations. He has been a member and Sunday school teacher at the Raymond United Methodist Church since 1978, and has served on church administrative and finance committees. He is an active member of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dr. Muse has been active in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, United Way, March of Dimes, Lions Club, and the Mississippi Economic Council. He has long been involved with local Boy Scout troops in the Raymond area, and has personally sponsored fund-raising events and invites the local troops to participate in ceremonies at the college; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Muse has been bestowed many honors and awards for his work as an educator and philanthropist. He has received special alumni appreciation and Alumni of the Year Awards at East Central Community College, Delta State University and Mississippi State University. He was inducted into the Mississippi Coaches Hall of Fame, and has been inducted into the Delta State University Sports Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the Board of Trustees of Hinds Community College named the new Rankin Campus Conference Center the Clyde Muse Center in recognition of Dr. Muse's outstanding leadership and community involvement; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, Dr. Muse received the Excellence in Government Award from Governor Phil Bryant, which recognized his innovative work to expand access to higher education for all Mississippians. Dr. Muse also received the prestigious Winter-Reed Partnership Award by former Governor William Winter, a man Dr. Muse refers to as his friend and hero; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Muse has been honored by the Mississippi Legislature for his many years of service to the state, and in 2015 was presented with a resolution from the Mississippi Senate recognizing him as the inventor of T-Ball, which dates back to his youth baseball coaching days in Starkville; and
WHEREAS, while this native Mississippian has excelled in each academic and professional arena, his pride is his family. His late wife of 58 years, Vashti Underwood Muse of Leland, Mississippi, was herself an exemplary educator and public servant. His three children, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren are his legacy. His family personifies grace, appreciation of academia, and the heart of benevolence; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Muse is a wonderful example for higher education leadership and for public servants, and we commend his record of achievement and legacy of leadership, civic energy and dedication to all in Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and meritorious service of Dr. Vernon Clyde Muse as President of Hinds Community College and congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement on June 30, 2020, after 42 years of outstanding service, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature for continued health and prosperity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Clyde Muse, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of Hinds Community College, and made available to the Capital Press Corps.