SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 22 WHEREAS, Todd Witt, a 56-year-old father of three, set an inspiring example of perseverance by earning his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University in 2018; and WHEREAS, Mr. Witt studied higher education administration at the University of Mississippi in the 1990s but put his dreams of completing his doctorate on hold due to the responsibilities of raising a family; with only his dissertation needed, he was able to resume his coursework through the Texas Tech College of Education's online program and recently graduated with a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in STEM education; and WHEREAS, Although he saw the degree as more of a labor of love than a means to a career, it led Mr. Witt to a job working as an education and outreach manager at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, where he plans educational experiences for the children who tour the facility and its exhibits; part of his research at Texas Tech involved studying the style of education known as experiential learning and the ways that field trips can benefit student performance on standardized tests, and he is currently in charge of a number of updates to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center that will help young visitors to better understand science through hands-on activities; and WHEREAS, A role model to his loved ones and to students of all ages, Todd Witt has distinguished himself by completing his education and beginning an exciting new career, and he may indeed reflect with well-deserved pride on this impressive achievement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby congratulate Todd Witt on earning his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University 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. Witt as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate. Hughes ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2019. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate