81R28229 CBE-D
By: Harper-Brown H.R. No. 1877
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Francis M. Lazarus is retiring on December 31,
2009, as president of the University of Dallas, concluding an
outstanding tenure in higher education that has spanned nearly four
decades; and
WHEREAS, A native of New York, Frank Lazarus earned a
bachelor's degree in classical languages and philosophy from
Canisius College and a master's degree and doctorate in classical
languages from Cornell University; he began his career as an
assistant professor at the United States Military Academy at West
Point in 1970 and later served Salem College as chair of classics,
director of the honors program, and associate academic dean; along
the way, he was named an administrative fellow of the American
Council on Education and served for a year as a special assistant to
the president of Memphis State University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lazarus accepted further responsibility as dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Dayton for
eight years and again as vice president for academic affairs at
Marquette University from 1988 to 1996; he subsequently served as
vice president for academic affairs and as provost at the
University of San Diego before assuming the presidency of the
University of Dallas in July 2004; and
WHEREAS, Under the skillful leadership of Dr. Lazarus, the
University of Dallas has been recognized for four consecutive years
as the leading Catholic university in the country in the enrollment
of National Merit Scholars on a per capita basis, and the UD
Graduate School of Management was acknowledged for its practical
application of management techniques by Harvard Business Review;
other accomplishments on his watch include record enrollments, a
balanced budget, and an increase in applications to the liberal
arts doctoral program; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his extensive administrative
experience, Dr. Lazarus has participated as a professional
archaeologist in excavations in Nemea, Greece, and in Tel Beer
Sheba, Israel; moreover, he is the editor of Discovery, Faith,
Service: Perspectives on Jesuit Education, which was published by
Marquette University Press in 1992; and
WHEREAS, The University of Dallas has been greatly enriched
by the dedication and vision of Dr. Frank Lazarus, and it is indeed
fitting to honor him for his many contributions as he prepares for
the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Francis M. Lazarus on his
retirement as president of the University of Dallas 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. Lazarus as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.