86R17902 BK-D
By: Clardy H.R. No. 816
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Dr. Baker Pattillo of Nacogdoches on
December 29, 2018, at the age of 75, brought great sorrow to his
family and friends, as well as to the campus community of Stephen
F. Austin State University, which he served with great distinction
for more than five decades; and
WHEREAS, Born in Camden on June 22, 1943, Baker Pattillo was
the son of the Reverend Leroy Pattillo and Mauree Pattillo; he moved
with his family to Arp in 1956 and lettered as a member of the Tigers
football team at Arp High School, where his classmates voted him
"most likely to succeed"; he subsequently put himself through
college, and after studying first at Tyler Junior College, he
earned his bachelor's degree in 1965 and his master's degree in
guidance and counseling in 1966 from SFA; he later completed a
Ph.D. in educational administration at Texas A&M University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Pattillo was hired as assistant director of
placement and financial aid at SFA in 1966; he was promoted to dean
of student services in 1972 and to vice president for student
affairs in 1979; after being appointed interim president in July
2006, he assumed the office of president in January 2007; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his 11-year tenure as president,
Dr. Pattillo coordinated campus projects that totaled more than
$425 million, including a student recreation center, a nursing
building, and three residential buildings; moreover, he took
well-deserved pride in securing $150 million in funding for four
additional facilities during his last day of work; under his
leadership, the university exceeded 13,000 in enrollment,
surpassing its previous record, and Dr. Pattillo enjoyed a strong
rapport with students, as well as with faculty, staff, regents, and
state and national leaders; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Pattillo shared 52 years of marriage with his
wife, Janice Pattillo, whom he wed on December 17, 1966, and they
were blessed with a daughter, Paige, a grandson, Jackson, and a
son-in-law, Todd; and
WHEREAS, Through his vision and leadership, Dr. Baker
Pattillo contributed immeasurably to advancing the mission of
Stephen F. Austin State University, and he leaves behind a legacy
that will continue to resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Baker Pattillo
and extend deepest condolences to his 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. Baker
Pattillo.