SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 445
In Memory
of
Baker Pattillo
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; 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 Stephen F. Austin
State University; he later completed a doctoral degree in
educational administration at Texas A&M University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Pattillo was hired as assistant director of
placement and financial aid at Stephen F. Austin State University
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
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 a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Dr. Baker Pattillo.
Nichols
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 20, 2019, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate