Bill Text: MS HR69 | 2012 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Dr. Phil A. Sutphin; recognize the service of as President of ECCC.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2012-03-22 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR69 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2012-HR69-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Rushing, Bounds, Evans (43rd), Horne, Ladner, Malone, Martinson, Miles, Shirley, Stringer
House Resolution 69
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING DR. PHIL A. SUTPHIN UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS PRESIDENT OF EAST CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN DECATUR, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Dr. Phil A. Sutphin, President of East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi, is retiring after dutifully serving in this position for 24 years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Sutphin has been a dedicated and visionary leader as an academic administrator in this great state, and he has made a positive difference in the lives of numerous people; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Sutphin has served as President of East Central Community College (ECCC) since 1988, coming to ECCC after serving as the Director of Financial Aid and Assistant Director of Student Affairs of Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, from 1980 to 1988; and
WHEREAS, prior to serving at Concord College, Dr. Sutphin served as the Assistant to the Department Chair of Admissions and Supervision at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1977 to 1980, and from 1970 to 1977, he taught government and served as the Social Science Department Chairperson at Meridian High School in Meridian; and
WHEREAS, with an impressive educational background, Dr. Sutphin obtained two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree from Mississippi State University in Starkville, with his undergraduate degrees being in political science and secondary education, graduate degree in community college and political science, and obtained a doctorate in education with an emphasis in educational administration and supervision from the University of Memphis; and
WHEREAS, his invaluable contributions and progressive thinking as an administrator, mentor and advocate for ECCC have influenced the increased educational opportunities, technological advancements and showcase facilities for the students of his first-rate educational institution; and
WHEREAS, on campus, Dr. Sutphin has provided dynamic leadership through different initiatives, such as the East Mall landscaping improvements and his vision for future similar improvements of the West Mall, to begin upon completion of the renovations at Cross Hall; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Sutphin served as the chairperson on the Commission of the Future of West Alabama and East Mississippi from 2001 to 2005, and the actions of this committee led to the WAEM/WIRRED Grant that built the concept for the Montgomery Institute and other regional economic development projects in east Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure at ECCC, Dr. Sutphin has overseen the introduction of numerous programs and projects at the college, namely: the new Hotel, Restaurant and Culinary program; the Mississippi Virtual Community College leadership for online instruction; the completion of Phase II of Smith Union on the campus of ECCC; the return of the Russell Physical Plant to the campus; the completion of the Davis Building; the completion of a new walking trail around the campus for college and community use; as well as a new lighting project for campus parking lots, streets and sidewalks; and
WHEREAS, enrollment at ECCC is at an all-time high, rising over 40% and surpassing 3,000 students under the leadership of Dr. Sutphin, and the college has also seen computer and technology upgrades, vast improvements to the athletic fields, increased budgets and doubled revenue, which have enabled ECCC to maintain its credit as a fiscally strong institution; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Sutphin values community service, as evidenced by his participation with Habitat for Humanity and the Decatur Planning Board, and also through his involvement on several boards of directors, including: East Mississippi HealthNet, the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce and Laird Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Sutphin serves on the Board of Trustees for the Commission on Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and he also serves as President of the Mississippi Association of Colleges, as past-chairperson of the Rural Community Colleges Alliance and as secretary for the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges; and
WHEREAS, his dedication to Newton County and Decatur have been apparent and this devotion has been rewarded with the recognition of Dr. Sutphin as Newton County Citizen of the Year in 2004 and as Decatur Citizen of the Year in 2008; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding educational leaders, such as Dr. Sutphin, who has dedicated his career to the students, faculty and staff of East Central Community College and to the State of Mississippi, and his lifetime of service to education is a testament to his visionary leadership:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Dr. Phil A. Sutphin upon the occasion of his retirement for his devotion to the field of education and for his 24 years of visionary leadership as President of East Central Community College and extend best wishes for success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Sutphin, the Board of Trustees of East Central Community College and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
