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1997 SESSION

975985432
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 713
Offered January 28, 1997
Commending Dr. Harrison B. Wilson.
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Patrons-- Robinson, Crittenden, Drake, Heilig, Jones, D.C., Jones, J.C., McEachin, Melvin, Moss and Spruill; Senators: Lucas, Marsh, Maxwell and Miller, Y.B.
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Consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, president of Norfolk State University since 1975, will retire on July 1, 1997; and

WHEREAS, a native of Amsterdam, New York, and a graduate of Kentucky State University, Harrison Wilson earned his master's and doctoral degrees from Indiana University; and

WHEREAS, after teaching and coaching at Jackson State University, Tennessee State University, and Fisk University, Dr. Wilson assumed the leadership of Norfolk State University in 1975; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Wilson's vigorous and effective leadership, Norfolk State University has grown and prospered, achieving its current status as one of the nation's leading historically black universities; and

WHEREAS, during Dr. Wilson's tenure, Norfolk State University's enrollment has increased, its budget has increased six-fold, and its campus boasts 14 new buildings and over 50 more acres of land; and

WHEREAS, fulfilling his promise to increase Norfolk State's academic standing, Dr. Wilson was instrumental in the school's achieving university status in 1979, increasing its undergraduate programs from 33 to 44 and its master's degree programs from two to 15, and establishing Norfolk State's first doctoral program in social work in 1995; and

WHEREAS, a skilled and relentless advocate for the university he serves, Dr. Wilson has proven himself singularly effective in representing Norfolk State's interests before the State Council of Higher Education and the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, respected statewide and nationally for his unique leadership style, Dr. Harrison Wilson has served the interests of the students, faculty, and staff of Norfolk State University with great distinction for over two decades; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend most highly Dr. Harrison B. Wilson on the completion of a sterling career of service to Norfolk State University and the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Harrison B. Wilson as an expression of the General Assembly's great respect and admiration for his outstanding service to higher education in Virginia and as an expression of its best wishes to him in his future endeavors.