H.R. No. 99
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart stepped down as president
of Amarillo College on September 30, 2023, and the conclusion of his
service provides a fitting opportunity to recognize his many
significant accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Since his appointment in 2014, Dr. Lowery-Hart has
worked tirelessly to develop AC as one of the top community colleges
in the nation; over the course of his exemplary tenure, he was
essential in the implementation of the college's Culture of Caring
initiative, and he oversaw the establishment of childcare access
for students with children, virtual learning space during the
COVID-19 pandemic, and the THRIVE Scholarship Program partnership,
as well as the launch of AC's first comprehensive campaign, Badger
Bold, and the reestablishment of Badger Athletics; furthermore, the
college saw a 75 percent growth rate of first-generation students
completing their degree or certificate, and three-year completion
rates more than doubled; and
WHEREAS, Under Dr. Lowery-Hart's able leadership, AC
received a number of honors, including the Leah Meyer Austin Award
from Achieving the Dream and the Bellwether Award; the school was
also recognized as a Top 5 College and received a Rising Star award
from the Aspen Institute in 2021, and it was named a corecipient of
the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in
2023; and
WHEREAS, Before becoming president, Dr. Lowery-Hart served
the college as vice president of academic affairs; he holds a
bachelor's degree in speech communication and rhetoric from West
Texas State University, a master's degree in communication studies
from Texas Tech University, and a doctorate in interpersonal
communication from Ohio University; in recognition of his myriad
accomplishments, he was named the National Council of Instructional
Administrators Academic Leader of the Year in 2014 and the 2021
Amarillo Globe-News Man of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery-Hart undertook his new role as the ninth
chancellor of the Austin Community College District on October 1,
2023; in all his endeavors, he enjoys the love and support of a fine
family that includes his wife of almost 30 years, Tara, and their
three children; and
WHEREAS, Through his dedication, expertise, and visionary
leadership, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has played a vital role in
advancing the proud legacy of Amarillo College, and his
achievements will continue to be appreciated for years to come;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Dr. Russell
Lowery-Hart for his service as president of Amarillo College and
extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Lowery-Hart as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Price
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 99 was adopted by the House on
November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House