S 0720  Concurrent Resolution, By Fanning
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE DR. GREG F. RUTHERFORD UPON THE
 OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF YORK TECHNICAL COLLEGE, TO COMMEND
 HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS
 AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

   03/31/21  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House
                     (Senate Journal-page 5)
   04/06/21  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
                     (House Journal-page 17)

TO CONGRATULATE DR. GREG F. RUTHERFORD UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF YORK TECHNICAL COLLEGE, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, for fifteen years, students have enjoyed the benefit of the commitment, experience, and leadership of Dr. Greg F. Rutherford, president of York Technical College, who is retiring July 31, 2021, after a distinguished career of outstanding service in education; and

Whereas, a lifelong learner, Dr. Rutherford has received an associate's degree from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Asheville, a bachelor's degree in management from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, a master's from Western Carolina University, and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin; and

Whereas, a champion for students, staff, and the local community, Dr. Rutherford achieved many goals in his time as president. He made resources available to incentivize staff to achieve and exceed academic and fiscal goals. He created an enhanced student culture, leading to some of the highest rates of success in the college's history, including the highest graduation rate and the highest percentage of awards received by students at graduation. In addition, all of these initiatives were achieved while the college simultaneously completed its master plan of zero debt. Dr. Rutherford, through his leadership and experience leaves the college in its healthiest financial situation in program history; and

Whereas, always acting on behalf of students, Dr. Rutherford contributed to the planning and implementation of York Technical College's new Learning Commons, a unique and innovative state of the art facility for students. A brilliant forward thinker, he also implemented a comprehensive rebranding effort for the college that resulted in an elevated community profile. The new image resonated with many, as indicated by their most successful fundraising effort in college history, easily surpassing a six and a half million dollar goal; and

Whereas, in addition to his tremendous work with York Technical College, Dr. Rutherford has had many other successful endeavors. He worked in the community college system in North Carolina for nineteen years, including time as the vice president for Economic and Workforce Development at Haywood Community College in Clyde, North Carolina. He also led associate degree programs and customized training for business and industry, as well as spending time as a regional coordinator for the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers. He continues to serve on the Trans-Atlantic Technology and Training Alliance; and

Whereas, passionate about workforce and economic development, Dr. Rutherford serves as a member of several area boards, including South Carolina Technical College System Council of Presidents, York County Economic Development Board, Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation Finance Committee, Catawba Council of Governments, Catawba Regional Education Center, Lancaster County Chamber Board of Directors, Lancaster County Economic Development Board, and, finally, as an ex-officio member of the South Carolina Technical Education Association Board; and

Whereas, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and the leadership Dr. Greg F. Rutherford has bestowed on this great State, the General Assembly takes great pleasure in wishing him all the best 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, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate Dr. Greg F. Rutherford upon the occasion of his retirement as president of York Technical College, commend him for his many years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Greg F. Rutherford.