Bill Text: MS SC514 | 2015 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize career and public health service of Dr. James E. Keeton, UMMC Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the School of Medicine.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 15-9)
Status: (Passed) 2015-01-26 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC514 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2015-SC514-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Blount, Bryan, Butler (38th), Carmichael, Clarke, Dawkins, Fillingane, Frazier, Gandy, Hopson, Horhn, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jolly, Kirby, Lee, Montgomery, Norwood, Parker, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Stone, Turner, Younger
Senate Concurrent Resolution 514
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE OF DR. JAMES E. KEETON, VICE-CHANCELLOR FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, Dr. Keeton, Vice-Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine, has announced he will step down from his role at the end of the next academic year, June 30, 2015. Keeton has served in the position since July 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Vice-Chancellor, who has a dual role as Dean of UMMC's Medical School, essentially acts as the Chief Executive of a $1.6 Billion enterprise engaged in health professions education, research and patient care. The Medical Center encompasses six health sciences schools with more than 2,900 students and employs more than 9,600 people; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Keeton, 74, is a native of Columbus, Mississippi. He graduated from the University of Mississippi and earned his medical degree at UMMC. He trained in surgery and pediatric urology at UMMC and in London, England. He served two years in the Medical Corps of the United States Navy at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was in the private practice of pediatric urology for 27 years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Keeton has led the Medical Center through some challenging times, including during the recession of 2008 and the rollout of the National Health-Care Law. Despite those external factors, his tenure has seen the planning, funding and groundbreaking for a new School of Medicine building, the implementation of a $90 Million electronic health records system, and the recruitment of more than 30 individuals to senior leadership positions; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Keeton said, "Every day I have worked at the Medical Center since 2002 has been a privilege. To be able to serve my alma mater in this way has been special. I have had opportunities to work with people - inside and outside UMMC - that would never have come my way except for this job"; and
WHEREAS, he and his wife, Jona, live in Jackson and are the proud parents of two children and six grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, his professional skills and leadership have enriched the lives of all his students and colleagues, and it is with great pride that we acknowledge his record of achievement and dedication to all in Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend the professional career and public health service of Dr. James E. Keeton, Vice-Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, on the occasion of his retirement, and extend our best wishes to Dr. Keeton and his family on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Keeton, forwarded to Chancellor Dan Jones and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
