S*0965 Resolution, By Nicholson
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. RAY L. WILSON, JR., EXECUTIVE
 DIRECTOR OF THE WESTERN PIEDMONT EDUCATION CONSORTIUM, UPON THE OCCASION OF
 HIS RETIREMENT AFTER A DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF FORTY-FIVE YEARS IN THE FIELD
 OF EDUCATION, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS
 FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

   01/13/16  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 47)

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. RAY L. WILSON, JR., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WESTERN PIEDMONT EDUCATION CONSORTIUM, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER A DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF FORTY-FIVE YEARS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate have learned that on December 31, 2015, Dr. Ray L. Wilson, Jr., will begin a well-deserved retirement after forty-five years of public service to his State in various educational leadership positions, most recently as executive director of the Western Piedmont Education Consortium (WPEC); and

Whereas, in preparation for his life's work, in 1970 Dr. Wilson received a bachelor's degree in history from Clemson University. In furtherance of his education, he earned a master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina in 1976, as well as an educational specialist degree from Winthrop College in 1986, both of these in the field of educational administration. In 1991, he completed a doctorate, also in educational administration, at the University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Ray Wilson began his career as a teacher and later served as a principal, director of personnel, and superintendent before taking up his duties as executive director of WPEC. He is often sought out by superintendents and educational leaders from all levels for his advice on education issues. This veteran administrator has been a member of the S.C. Association of School Administrators (SCASA) for more than twenty-five years, has led and served on Palmetto's Finest visit teams, and regularly attends the Superintendents' Roundtable meetings. As executive director of the Western Piedmont Education Consortium, he has been instrumental in seeing it grow into twelve districts representing the Lakeland area of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Ray Wilson strongly believes in supporting his community and demonstrates his support through active participation in various organizations. He works with the Fannie J. Lowery Board; coaches Dixie Youth Baseball; serves on the board of visitors for Self Memorial Hospital, Lander University, and many other advisory boards; and is a loyal member of Greenwood First Baptist Church, where he serves as a Sunday School teacher, usher, and member of the First Baptist Foundation Board; and

Whereas, in recognition of his outstanding service, he has been named recipient of the Barbara H. James Award, Outstanding Service and Leadership Award, University Council for Educational Administrators Excellence in Educational Leadership Award, and the annual South Carolina Distinguished Library Service Award for School Administrators; and

Whereas, most recently, Dr. Wilson received the prestigious SCASA Lifetime Achievement Award for 2015. Presented by SCASA and the South Carolina Association of Governmental Organizations, the award salutes educators who are exemplars of educational leadership; and

Whereas, the Senate, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Dr. Wilson has bestowed on the people of South Carolina, takes great pleasure in wishing him well as he enters retirement and trusts he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Dr. Ray L. Wilson, Jr., executive director of the Western Piedmont Education Consortium, upon the occasion of his retirement after a distinguished career of forty-five years in the field of education and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Ray L. Wilson, Jr.