S.C.R. No. 14
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, James Henry Russell is stepping down as president of
Texarkana College in January 2019, following more than seven years
of exemplary service to the college; and
WHEREAS, When Mr. Russell took over as president in June
2011, Texarkana College was facing many challenges; he launched the
TC Tomorrow Community Challenge to raise support and funds for the
school and enlisted the help of TC alumnus H. Ross Perot, which
resulted in a $5 million contribution; he oversaw the increase of
the TC Foundation's assets from $2.8 million to over $8.2 million
since 2013, and he led the effort to expand the school's tax
district and to increase its tax revenue; and
WHEREAS, Under Mr. Russell's leadership, the college
established a scholarship program to provide free tuition and fees
to high-achieving area students, significantly increased the
graduation rates of African American students, expanded the
dual-credit scholarship program for disadvantaged students, and
opened the first new building in decades, the Betty and Buddy
Ledwell Workforce Training Center; today, the school rests on a
firm financial foundation, and it has been recognized with the Leah
Meyer Austin Award by the Achieving the Dream organization; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Russell earned his bachelor's, master's, and
doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University--Commerce; he previously
served as superintendent of the Texarkana and Melissa school
districts, and he has also worked as a high school and a middle
school principal; he is a cofounder of the TeacherTube company and
served as its CEO from 2014 to 2016; he is leaving the college to
become executive vice president and chief financial officer of BWI
Companies; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional accomplishments,
Mr. Russell has been active in the community with the Boy Scouts,
Band Boosters, and Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, and
in 2013, he was presented with the C. E. Palmer Award by the
Texarkana Chamber of Commerce; in all his endeavors, he benefits
from the love and support of his wife, Rosemary, and his three
children, Madeline, Colleen, and Reed; and
WHEREAS, James Henry Russell's dedication, professionalism,
and commitment to the mission of Texarkana College have greatly
benefited the community, and he may indeed reflect with pride on
his exemplary leadership as he takes on the challenges and
opportunities of his new position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby commend James Henry Russell on his outstanding tenure as
president of Texarkana College and extend to him sincere best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Russell as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 14 was adopted by the Senate
on February 19, 2019.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 14 was adopted by the House
on March 6, 2019.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor