Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

Introduced aND Adopted

April 2, 2024

S. 1235

Introduced by Senators Alexander and Setzler

S. Printed 04/2/24--S.                                                                          [SEC 4/12/2024 12:32 PM]

Read the first time April 2, 2024

________

A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE dr. George R. Askew, Jr. UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS many YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Dr. George R. Askew, Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement from the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University; and

Whereas, Dr. Askew earned his PhD in Agronomy in 1981 from Clemson University, where he also matriculated for his Bachelor of Science in Forest Management and Master of Science in Forestry; and

Whereas, Dr. Askew began his career with Clemson University as a forest geneticist and assistant professor stationed at the Belle W. Baruch Forest Science Institute in Georgetown. In 1985, he was promoted to associate professor and institute director. In 1991, he advanced to professor of forestry and became the first director of the newly-formed Belle W. Baruch Institute for Coastal Ecology and Forest Science; and

Whereas, in 2002, Dr. Askew was named interim director of the Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence. A year later he was appointed permanent director. In 2004, he began serving as regional director for a twelve-county extension service program; and

Whereas, during Dr. Askew's tenure at the Pee Dee REC, he led the plan to reposition the REC to provide expanded research in advanced plant technologies, enabling improved row crop output and new crop development. The results of the initiative were recognized by the university and the South Carolina Legislature, which approved a recurring two-million-dollar appropriation to fund ten faculty positions and six technicians at the REC to focus on advanced plant technologies; and

Whereas, Dr. Askew moved to the main Clemson campus in 2007 when he was promoted to interim associate director of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Experiment Station and Extension. A year later he was made associate director of the Experiment Station and Associate Dean for Agriculture and Natural Resources. In 2009, he was named chief operating officer of the Clemson University Experiment Station; and

Whereas, in 2011, Dr. Askew was named associate vice president for Public Service and Agriculture and director of the Experiment Station. In 2014, he was named vice president for Public Service and Agriculture by President Jim Clements. He continued to serve as the Experiment Station Director; and

Whereas, as the vice president, he represents the four public service units, including Experiment Station, Extension, Regulatory Services, and Livestock and Poultry Health, as well as Clemson's agriculture and natural resources programs in strategic planning and general university governance; and

Whereas, a leader in his field, Dr. Askew was asked to serve as the dean for the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences in 2015. As dean, he was responsible for the administration of six departments within the college including teaching, research, and outreach activities; and

Whereas, a civic leader, Dr. Askew has served with many community organizations, including serving as secretary-treasurer, vice chairman, chairman, and member of the board of the Society of American Foresters, the Biometrics Society, and the Xi Sigma Pi Forestry Honor Society, among other honor societies; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Dr. Askew has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Dr. George R. Askew, Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his many years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. George R. Askew, Jr.

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