2015 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 161
BY SENATOR MURRAY
A RESOLUTION
To commend Ronald Mason Jr., President of the Southern University and A&M College
System, for his outstanding accomplishments, his years of public service, and his
singular contributions to postsecondary education.
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to commend Ronald Mason as president of the Southern
University system, a position in which he has served with great honor and distinction since
2010, providing oversight for all five campuses in the system; and
WHEREAS, President Mason brings nearly thirty-five years of experience in the
areas of higher education management, astute legal representation, public policy, community
development coordination, and urban renewal; and
WHEREAS, a native son of Louisiana, Ronald Mason holds impeccable academic
credentials that include graduation from Jesuit High School in New Orleans, a bachelor of
arts degree from Columbia University, a juris doctorate from Columbia Law School, and an
advanced degree from the Institute of Educational Management at Harvard University; and
WHEREAS, at Tulane University, Mason served for seventeen years in a variety of
administrative positions including legal advisor, senior vice president, and vice president in
charge of finance and operations; this skill set provided the springboard to his illustrious
career of leadership in higher education; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Mason has been the recipient of prestigious awards that include
the Mayor's Medal of Honor from the city of New Orleans, the Martin Luther King Lifetime
Achievement Award from Dillard, Loyola, Tulane, and Xavier universities, and the
Columbia University John Jay Award for distinguished professional achievement; and
WHEREAS, he is a member of civic organizations in New Orleans such as the
Fellowship Foundation, the Metropolitan Area Committee, the Southern Development
Foundation, the New Orleans Jobs Initiative, and the Southern Institute for Education and
Research; and
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WHEREAS, previous to his administrative duties at Southern University, Mason
served as president of Jackson State University in Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Mason served the state with great distinction, unquestionably
improving all aspects of Southern University and as an engaging educator and administrator
most certainly will provide remarkable leadership and talent as he takes his place at his next
position as President of the University of the District of Columbia later this year; and
WHEREAS, Ronald Mason merits the highest commendation for the indelible mark
he leaves on Southern University, the Southern University system, and on countless students,
faculty, and staff.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Ronald Mason Jr., President of the Southern University and A&M
College system for his outstanding accomplishments, his years of service, and his singular
contributions to the betterment of postsecondary education as a whole.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does
hereby congratulate Mr. Mason and convey best wishes for continued success and happiness
in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Ronald Mason, President of Southern University and A&M College System.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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