SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 293 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize William A. Staples, who is retiring after 22 years of exceptional service as president of the University of Houston-Clear Lake; and WHEREAS, President Staples joined the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1979 as an associate professor of marketing, and he received tenure in 1984; he served the School of Business as a coordinator, program director, and dean before becoming the university's fourth president in 1995; and WHEREAS, Under his outstanding leadership, the university launched its first doctoral program and transitioned into a four-year institution; during his tenure, the university has more than doubled its endowments and received awards from a wide range of organizations, including NASA, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, the YMCA, and the Clear Creek Education Foundation; the university also received its first listing in the U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Regional Universities in the West; and WHEREAS, He has been active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Texas Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors, the Armand Bayou Nature Center, and the Pearland Chamber of Commerce Community Council; and WHEREAS, An exemplary educator and administrator, he is respected and admired by his colleagues and students alike, and his presence at the University of Houston-Clear Lake will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend William A. Staples on his exceptional service with the University of Houston-Clear Lake and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Taylor of Galveston ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 28, 2017. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate