H.R. No. 2229
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Amarillo College is the co-recipient of the 2023
Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence from the Aspen
Institute; and
WHEREAS, Awarded every two years, this prestigious accolade
recognizes institutions that have distinguished themselves in the
critical areas of teaching and learning, certificate and degree
completion, transfer and bachelor's degree attainment, workforce
success, and access for all students; and
WHEREAS, Honored with the Aspen Institute's Rising Star Award
in 2021, Amarillo College was selected as one of only two winners of
the 2023 Aspen Prize from a pool of more than 1,000 community
colleges nationwide; among its exemplary efforts, Amarillo College
developed the Culture of Caring initiative under the leadership of
president Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart; providing a wide range of
support to students, the program identifies and removes
poverty-related barriers and has played a major role in the
improvement of graduation, three-year completion, and transfer
rates; additionally, the college has established Business
Leadership Councils that help provide a pipeline for the regional
workforce, and it oversees a virtual health care plan that is
provided free of charge to students and their dependents; and
WHEREAS, Amarillo College has also been honored with the Star
Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; in
addition, it received its first perfect score during reaffirmation
of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges; and
WHEREAS, Through education innovation, a committed faculty
and staff, and a determination to open the doors of opportunity for
all students, Amarillo College has become the heart of its
rural-serving community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Amarillo College on receiving a
2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence from the Aspen
Institute and extend to all those associated with the college
sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Amarillo College as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Price
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2229 was adopted by the House on May
29, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House