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TO HONOR DR. HENRY N. TISDALE, PRESIDENT OF CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS UPCOMING RETIREMENT, TO THANK HIM FOR HIS TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF HARD WORK AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.
Whereas, understanding that Dr. Henry N. Tisdale plans to retire at the end of June 2019 from the post he has filled so ably for more than two decades, the House of Representatives wishes to express its gratitude for his exemplary service to the Claflin University and the people of South Carolina; and
Whereas, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, a native of Kingstree, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science in mathematics from Claflin University in 1965. He later received a Master of Education in mathematics from Temple University, and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in mathematics, both from Dartmouth College, becoming the first African American to earn a doctorate in mathematics from the institution; and
Whereas, in 1994, Dr. Tisdale was appointed Claflin University's eighth president. His tenure is marked by visionary leadership and remarkable accomplishments for the oldest historically black college and university in South Carolina. Since that time, Dr. Tisdale has led the University through a period of unprecedented growth and development. He oversaw the establishment of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College and the implementation of the Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics which was created to increase the number of minorities receiving bachelor's degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics; and
Whereas, as part of his revitalization efforts, Dr. Tisdale worked to obtain financial backing to fund building projects through grants and gifts to the university. He was able to secure hundreds of millions of dollars to finance building and restoration projects including the construction of the three-building Living and Learning Center and the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel, as well as the renovation of Ministers' Hall, Tingley Memorial Hall, and H.V. Manning Library; and
Whereas, under Dr. Tisdale's leadership, the campus has boasted record student enrollments, has earned a national ranking in academics, and has a record of accomplishments in higher education that is reflected in the university's impressive statistics. Claflin has consistently been ranked as a "Best Buy" and a national liberal arts institution by U.S. News and World Report and has earned a "Top Tier" and "Best Value," ranking among comprehensive baccalaureate granting institutions in the South according to the U.S News and World Report's 2007 Guidebook to America's Best Colleges and Universities; and
Whereas, an active member of the education community, Dr. Tisdale has served on many committees, councils, boards and task forces at both the state and national levels including the Board of Directors of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the American Council on Education Commission on Effective Leadership, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and the Colleges Council of Presidents. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the General Board of Higher Education; and
Whereas, Dr. Tisdale has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his exceptional and transformational leadership. He is the recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award, the Higher Education Leadership Foundation Award, as well as being named the NAACP Educator of the Year and Who's Who among Black Americans; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives is grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Dr. Tisdale has bestowed on Claflin University and the people of South Carolina. The members are grateful for the years of dedication and wish him many years of enjoyment in his well-earned retirement. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, President of Claflin University, on the occasion of his upcoming retirement, thank him for his twenty-five years of hard work and dedicated service to the university, and offer best wishes for a satisfying and rewarding retirement.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Henry N. Tisdale.
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