MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th), Burton, Butler (36th), Butler (38th), Horhn, Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 502

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. VIVIAN M. PRESLEY UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF COAHOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND SUPERINTENDENT OF COAHOMA AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL.

     WHEREAS, on April 17, 2013, a joyful celebration was held by the faculty, staff and Trustees of Coahoma Community College in honor of the achievements of Dr. Vivian Presley on the occasion of her retirement after over two decades as an effective leader of this institution; and

     WHEREAS, with her appointment as President/Superintendent on January 6, 1992, Dr. Presley became the first female to head Coahoma Community College and Agricultural High School, and the first and only woman to head a publicly supported community college in the State of Mississippi.  Dr. Presley served 38 years in several capacities, including Counselor, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and Executive Vice President; and

     WHEREAS, since its inception in 1949, Coahoma Community College has had many notable changes in its operation and in providing a quality education as the epitome of "Quality and Excellence."  The leadership of Dr. Vivian M. Presley ushered in a new era.  Coahoma Community College prides itself in reaching students and communities beyond its doors, becoming a versatile entity for reaching students beyond the confines of the classroom setting through such mediums as satellite classes and the Internet; and

     WHEREAS, under her administration, Coahoma Community College has experienced phenomenal growth in academic, career-technical, and health science programs, and more than $26 Million in new construction and renovations.  Under her leadership, Coahoma Community College has expanded its instructional programs to include the Associate Degree Nursing Program, Practical Nursing, Polysomnography, Respiratory Therapy, the Paramedic Program, Hotel and Restaurant Technology, Culinary Arts, Medical Billing and Coding, numerous other new offerings to meet the needs of the community, and the first online course was offered at Coahoma Community College in the Spring of 2000; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Presley's leadership continued with buildings that have been constructed during her administration to include the President's Home; the Allied Health Training Center; the Frank Gambrell, Jr., Student Affairs Multi-Complex; the George A. Green Athletic Field House; the George W. Moore Residence Hall; the Eddie C. Smith Sportsplex; the James E. Miller Press Box, and the Vivian M. Presley Administration Building.  In addition, a new female residence hall is currently being constructed and is slated to be completed in November 2013.  Dr. Presley is not only responsible for having new facilities built on campus, but also for maintaining the facilities by renovating existing buildings, including the Charles F. Reid Sponsored Programs Building, Mary G. Whiteside Hall, the Sezzie McLaurin Residence Hall, Friends Residence Hall, Workforce Development Center, Marion M. Reed Gymnasium, and the Pinnacle; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Presley has served on many boards and organizations, including the Board of National League for Nursing, Deposit Guaranty Bank Board of Directors, Board of the Northwest Regional Medical Center, Northwest District Board for Girl Scouts, and as a Commissioner for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  She has been honored as Mississippi State University Alumnus of the Year for the College of Education, chosen as Top Business Women in the Mississippi Delta, Employee of the Year by the Business and Professional Woman's Organization, National Recognition Award by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 2000 Image Award in Education, Dr. Jane Sargent Leadership Award, Paul Harris Rotary Club Award, the 2007 Citizen of the Year Award from the Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation, and a Mississippi Trailblazer; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Vivian M. Presley is truly a visionary who has worked tirelessly to better the lives of those in her community and the State of Mississippi.  Her leadership and vision have led Coahoma Community College and Agricultural High School College to greater success and is a reflection of the farsightedness of the community college pioneers in the State of Mississippi and the world:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby pay tribute to the enormous educational and civic energy of Dr. Vivian M. Presley upon the occasion of her retirement as President of Coahoma Community College and Superintendent of Coahoma Agricultural High School, and extend our best wishes on this auspicious occasion and for her future success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Presley and her family, transmitted to the Board of Trustees of the Coahoma Community College and the Mississippi Community College Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.