82R6904 BGU-D
By: McClendon H.R. No. 276
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Lanier Byrd of San Antonio, an esteemed educator
and friend to many, passed away on August 29, 2009; and
WHEREAS, A 1966 graduate of St. Philip's College, Lanier Byrd
went on to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in
biology/chemistry from Prairie View A&M University; he began his
career in 1969 at Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio, where he
taught biology and physics and coached the girls' volleyball team;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Byrd joined the faculty of St. Philip's College
in the early 1970s as a biology instructor; he was granted tenure
and promoted to the role of professor, and he provided strong
guidance to the Department of Natural Sciences during his tenure as
chair of the department; he continued to pursue his own education as
well, and in 1995 he obtained a doctoral degree in science education
from The University of Texas at Austin; and
WHEREAS, From 1996 to 2007, Dr. Byrd served St. Philip's as
vice president of academic affairs; challenged to meet the demands
of a rapidly growing enrollment, he helped the college earn one of
the highest site review ratings ever accorded a community college
by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, with 28 of the
school's technical programs being rated as "exemplary" and three of
the arts and sciences programs identified as "outstanding"; the
capstone of his many contributions to St. Philip's was his creation
of the Lanier Byrd Endowed Scholarship, which helps lower-income
students receive an education; and
WHEREAS, Greatly admired for his energy and dedication both
inside and outside of the classroom, Lanier Byrd made a positive
difference in the lives of countless people, and he has left behind
a legacy that will continue to resonate for many years to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Lanier Byrd and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Dr. Deborah Byrd; to his children, Shanna, Sean, and Sharanay; and
to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Lanier
Byrd.