2025S0292-1 04/01/25
By: Nichols S.R. No. 364
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Dr. Neal Weaver on his exceptional career and his
distinguished service as president of Stephen F. Austin State
University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Weaver has dedicated more than three decades
to university leadership; he previously served as president of
Georgia Southwestern State University, and he held key
administrative roles at Nicholls State University, West Texas
A&M University, and Northeastern State University before being
appointed president of Stephen F. Austin State University on May
13, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Weaver has demonstrated remarkable diligence
and dedication in prioritizing university goals, strategically
allocating resources, and fostering a culture of empowerment,
and his efforts have led to record-breaking student enrollment
and alumni and donor support at the institutions where he served;
and
WHEREAS, An esteemed authority in higher education
management, he has successfully overseen multiple fund-raising
campaigns, secured crucial state and community investments, and
spearheaded efforts that have resulted in $500 million in
university funding directly benefiting students, faculty, and
campus infrastructure; his prudent financial leadership has been
vital in facilitating the establishment of scholarships,
endowing professorships and chairs, and advancing capital
improvement efforts as well as innovative programs designed to
enhance student success and promote institutional excellence;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Weaver is highly regarded for his expertise
in organizational leadership, and he was instrumental in
launching the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Development
Program; he has taught courses in management, leadership
development, and organizational behavior, and he has been
honored as a Stellar Speaker at Council for Advancement and
Support of Education conferences and summer institutes and gives
generously of his time and talents as an instructor and volunteer
for Youth Leadership Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Weaver holds a doctoral degree from the
University of Oklahoma and a master's degree from Southeastern
Oklahoma State University, and he earned his bachelor's degree in
speech communication from Oklahoma Panhandle State University;
he sets an admirable example through his devotion to his family
and his community engagement at Stephen F. Austin State
University, and he is supported in all things through the love
and encouragement of his wife, Kristi, and their three sons, two
daughters-in-law, and granddaughter; his superior leadership and
unwavering commitment to higher education in the Lone Star State
has been an invaluable asset, and he is truly deserving of
special recognition for his service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby commend Dr. Neal Weaver on his outstanding
contributions to advancing the mission of Stephen F. Austin State
University and extend to him best wishes for the university's
ongoing success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.