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2013 SESSION

13100426D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 696
Offered January 10, 2013
Commending Dr. Russell E. Whitaker, Jr.
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Patrons-- Cox, M.K., Dance, Ingram, Morris and Tyler; Senators: Marsh, Martin and Ruff
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WHEREAS, Dr. Russell E. Whitaker, Jr., an admired educational leader who faithfully served Richard Bland College of The College of William and Mary for nearly four decades, retired as vice president of administration and finance on November 1, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Petersburg High School, Dr. Whitaker began his affiliation with Richard Bland College as an undergraduate, earning an associate’s degree there before receiving a bachelor’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Whitaker worked at DuPont and for Petersburg City Public Schools and completed a master’s degree from Virginia State University and a doctorate from The College of William and Mary; he joined Richard Bland College as director of continuing education in 1974; and

WHEREAS, during his 38-year tenure with Richard Bland College, Dr. Whitaker served in a variety of roles, including as assistant fiscal officer, chief fiscal officer, dean of financial and administrative services, dean of administration and finance, and vice president of administration and finance; and

WHEREAS, as vice president of administration and finance, Dr. Whitaker oversaw personnel, purchasing, security, facilities management, and a number of other operations while ensuring the prudent use of Richard Bland College’s financial resources; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Whitaker played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Richard Bland College, encouraging changes to the bookstore to increase revenue and creating the college’s police department; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Whitaker oversaw the financing for the renovation of the library and construction of Statesman Hall, the Student Health and Wellness Center, James B. McNeer Hall, and the Student Village; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Whitaker served as treasurer and board member of the Richard Bland College Foundation, working diligently to ensure the wise financial management of resources to aid Richard Bland College in fulfilling its mission; and

WHEREAS, an active member of the community, Dr. Whitaker served with the United States Army Reserve, on the board of the Prince George Rescue Squad, and as a member of the Dinwiddie Ruritan Club; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Whitaker was honored for his many outstanding contributions to Richard Bland College when the City of Colonial Heights designated November 1, 2012, as Dr. Russell E. Whitaker, Jr., Day; and

WHEREAS, a vital part of the Richard Bland College community for nearly four decades, Dr. Whitaker helped shape one of the Commonwealth’s fine institutions of higher education; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Dr. Russell E. Whitaker, Jr., for his many contributions to Richard Bland College on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Russell E. Whitaker, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for his commitment to higher education in the Commonwealth.