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2015 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 823
Celebrating the life of S. Dallas Simmons.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 2015
Agreed to by the Senate, February 25, 2015

 

WHEREAS, S. Dallas Simmons, a respected educator and administrator who served students in the Commonwealth as the longtime president of Virginia Union University, died on July 5, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Ahoskie, North Carolina, Dallas Simmons earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Carolina Central University (NCCU); he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin and earned a doctorate from Duke University and honorary doctorates from NCCU and Virginia Union University (VUU); and

WHEREAS, possessed of a passion for education, Dallas Simmons began his professional career as director of the computer center at NCCU; he served as director of the computer center at Norfolk State University before returning to NCCU, where he became an assistant professor and assistant to the chancellor and vice chancellor for university relations; and

WHEREAS, in the 1970s, Dallas Simmons cultivated his leadership skills as an assistant on the White House Advance Team for President Gerald Ford, then became president of Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville in 1981; and

WHEREAS, Dallas Simmons was named president of VUU in 1985; during his 14-year tenure, he was admired for his commitment to high academic standards, sound fiscal management, efforts to expand physical plant development, and endowment building; and

WHEREAS, Dallas Simmons oversaw the restoration of two landmark buildings on campus, Martin E. Gray Hall and Coburn Hall, and initiated construction of the university’s first true library building, the L. Douglas Wilder Library; and

WHEREAS, working with the Richmond Police Department, Dallas Simmons brought the Richmond Police Academy to VUU, allowing the university to offer a criminal justice program and create many new opportunities for students; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement in 1999, Dallas Simmons offered his time and wise leadership to the boards of NCCU, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Dominion Resources, and Pace American Bank; and

WHEREAS, Dallas Simmons will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his devoted wife of 51 years, Yvonne; children, Dallas, Jr., and Kristie, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of S. Dallas Simmons, a respected leader in the field of education in the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of S. Dallas Simmons as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.