H.R. No. 99

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart stepped down as president
	of Amarillo College on September 30, 2023, and the conclusion of his
	service provides a fitting opportunity to recognize his many
	significant accomplishments; and
	WHEREAS, Since his appointment in 2014, Dr. Lowery-Hart has
	worked tirelessly to develop AC as one of the top community colleges
	in the nation; over the course of his exemplary tenure, he was
	essential in the implementation of the college's Culture of Caring
	initiative, and he oversaw the establishment of childcare access
	for students with children, virtual learning space during the
	COVID-19 pandemic, and the THRIVE Scholarship Program partnership,
	as well as the launch of AC's first comprehensive campaign, Badger
	Bold, and the reestablishment of Badger Athletics; furthermore, the
	college saw a 75 percent growth rate of first-generation students
	completing their degree or certificate, and three-year completion
	rates more than doubled; and
	WHEREAS, Under Dr. Lowery-Hart's able leadership, AC
	received a number of honors, including the Leah Meyer Austin Award
	from Achieving the Dream and the Bellwether Award; the school was
	also recognized as a Top 5 College and received a Rising Star award
	from the Aspen Institute in 2021, and it was named a corecipient of
	the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in
	2023; and
	WHEREAS, Before becoming president, Dr. Lowery-Hart served
	the college as vice president of academic affairs; he holds a
	bachelor's degree in speech communication and rhetoric from West
	Texas State University, a master's degree in communication studies
	from Texas Tech University, and a doctorate in interpersonal
	communication from Ohio University; in recognition of his myriad
	accomplishments, he was named the National Council of Instructional
	Administrators Academic Leader of the Year in 2014 and the 2021
	Amarillo Globe-News Man of the Year; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery-Hart undertook his new role as the ninth
	chancellor of the Austin Community College District on October 1,
	2023; in all his endeavors, he enjoys the love and support of a fine
	family that includes his wife of almost 30 years, Tara, and their
	three children; and
	WHEREAS, Through his dedication, expertise, and visionary
	leadership, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has played a vital role in
	advancing the proud legacy of Amarillo College, and his
	achievements will continue to be appreciated for years to come;
	now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
	Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Dr. Russell
	Lowery-Hart for his service as president of Amarillo College and
	extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for Dr. Lowery-Hart as an expression of high regard by the
	Texas House of Representatives.
	Price
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 99 was adopted by the House on
	November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House