Senate Concurrent Resolution 555

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEGACY OF DR. RICK YOUNG UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO EMCC.

WHEREAS, the man who has led East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) forward in the 21st Century has announced his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Rick Young has served as EMCC's President since 2004. He is credited with helping lead EMCC to prominence among Mississippi's community colleges and expanding the school's capacity to educate people throughout the region. He will officially retire on June 30, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Dr Young has been with EMCC for 40 years. He started as a Marketing Professor and rose to Vice President of EMCC's Golden Triangle Campus, a position he held for many years before becoming President; and

WHEREAS, "His aggressive pursuit of excellence in all areas of the college has brought EMCC into the national spotlight, enhancing the value and quality of academic, vocational, workforce training and athletics provided by the Mississippi Community College System," EMCC Board of Trustees Chairman Kathy Dyess said; and

WHEREAS, the expansion of EMCC under Young came during an era when community colleges have risen in prominence, necessity and national recognition. Under Young, EMCC has made great strides for local students to receive educations they can afford without incurring debt; and

WHEREAS, "EMCC will always be a part of my life because of the many special people who have made our college what it is today. It has been my privilege to have had a career that enabled me to work with many dedicated individuals who work tirelessly every day to make a positive difference in the lives of others," Young said; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Young has been a wonderful example for his colleagues and we commend his record of achievement and legacy of leadership and dedication to the community college system 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 the contributions and legacy of Dr. Rick Young upon the occasion of his retirement as President of East Mississippi Community College and for 40 years of service to EMCC, commending him for his legacy of leadership and thanking his family for sharing him with the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Young and his wife Melinda, his family, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of East Mississippi Community College and the Community College Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.