SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 110
In Memory
of
Baker Pattillo
WHEREAS, The citizens of Nacogdoches are mourning the loss
of Dr. Baker Pattillo, president of Stephen F. Austin State
University, who passed away on December 29, 2018, at the age of
75; and
WHEREAS, The son of Leroy and Mauree Pattillo, Baker
Pattillo was born in Camden on June 22, 1943; he grew up with the
companionship of a sister, Carolyn, and he attended Arp High
School, where he excelled at football and was a member of the
newspaper staff; he continued his education at Stephen F. Austin
State University, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees,
and he later received a Ph.D. in educational administration from
Texas A&M University; and
WHEREAS, Embarking on an illustrious career at the
university, Dr. Pattillo was named assistant director of
placement and financial aid in 1966 and was promoted to director
in 1970; in the ensuing years, he rose through the ranks of the
university's administration, serving as dean of student services
and as vice president of university affairs; he became interim
president in 2006 and was appointed president in 2007; and
WHEREAS, During more than 11 years at the university's
helm, Dr. Pattillo oversaw some $425 million in campus projects,
including the opening of the Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of
Nursing and the Early Childhood Research Center; under his
guidance, the university also reached a record enrollment of
13,144 students in 2018; in recognition of his outstanding
service, the school's Baker Pattillo Student Center was named in
his honor; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Pattillo enjoyed the
love and support of his wife, Janice, with whom he shared a
rewarding marriage that spanned more than five decades; he was a
devoted father to his daughter, Paige, and he took great pride in
his grandson, Jackson; and
WHEREAS, Baker Pattillo lived a life that was rich in
personal and professional achievements, and his contributions to
his campus and community will be remembered and appreciated for
many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute be to the memory of Dr. Baker
Pattillo and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn his
passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Baker Pattillo.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 1, 2019, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate