WHEREAS, Dr. James B. McNeer, the president of Richard Bland College of The College of William & Mary, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2012, after 16 years of dedicated service as president and a total of 44 outstanding years at the educational institution; and

WHEREAS, James McNeer earned a bachelor's degree from Emory & Henry College, where he also played basketball, and later earned a master's degree from West Virginia University and a doctorate from The College of William & Mary; and

WHEREAS, James McNeer began his exemplary career in education as a teacher and basketball coach in his hometown of Bluefield, Virginia, before relocating to Colonial Heights with his wife, the former Nancy Wilkinson; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McNeer held several administrative posts with the Colonial Heights Public Schools system and served as a member, vice-chair, and chair of the Colonial Heights School Board, working alongside other school board members to continue the city's strong tradition of providing a positive learning environment; and

WHEREAS, committed to the well-being and prosperity of Colonial Heights, Dr. McNeer served as a member of city council and as mayor, devoting countless hours to responding to constituent needs and working cooperatively with local and regional government leaders; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McNeer also served as chair of the Crater Planning District Commission and as a member of the Virginia Commission on Military Bases; and

WHEREAS, in 1968 Dr. McNeer joined the faculty of Richard Bland College; over the years, he assumed positions of increasing responsibility, serving as admissions director and executive to the president and as dean and provost; and

WHEREAS, in 1996 Dr. McNeer became the third president of Richard Bland College and led the college in the fulfillment of its mission—educating, supporting, and preparing students to complete their first two years of college and transfer to a four-year college or university or to be successful in the workforce; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. McNeer's leadership, Richard Bland College experienced an increase in enrollment, the construction of its first residential housing facilities and a new recreational complex, and the renovation of its library to better serve the educational needs of students; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McNeer spearheaded the implementation of the largest capital campaign in the college's history, which raised $5 million, and increased the number of articulation agreements with four-year universities; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. McNeer's stewardship, Richard Bland College received funding for a new 52,000-square-foot state-of-the-art science and technology building, which is now named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McNeer has made many contributions to the local community and currently serves as a member of the Southside Regional Medical Center board of trustees and the Virginia Commonwealth Bank board of directors and as an adult Sunday school teacher; and

WHEREAS, a servant leader, Dr. McNeer has dedicated his life toward the advancement of good government, excellence in quality education, and the building of positive relationships throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Dr. McNeer has made many lasting contributions to Richard Bland College and leaves behind an educational institution well-positioned to continue to provide the students of the Commonwealth with a quality education to enable them to achieve their goals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Dr. James B. McNeer on the occasion of his retirement as president of Richard Bland College of The College of William & Mary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. James B. McNeer as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and gratitude for his commitment to public service and higher education in the Commonwealth.