TITLE: Congratulating Lee F. Jackson on his retirement as chancellor of the University of North Texas System.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Lee F. Jackson on his retirement as chancellor of the University of North Texas System.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Lee F. Jackson is retiring as chancellor of the University of North Texas System in 2017, drawing to a close a decade and a half of exemplary service to that university system; and WHEREAS, Mr. Jackson grew up in Dallas and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Duke University and a master's in public administration from Southern Methodist University; and WHEREAS, Before his appointment as UNT System chancellor, Mr. Jackson enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career in state and local government, starting as an assistant to the Dallas city manager; he served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987, earning mention on Texas Monthly 's "Ten Best Legislators" list in 1983, and he went on to win election four times as Dallas County judge; during his notable tenure, he led successful bond elections to improve roads, county bridges, juvenile justice systems, and job training programs; and WHEREAS, Mr. Jackson joined the UNT System in 2002, at the beginning of a period of unprecedented growth; under his dynamic leadership, the system has increased enrollment and the number of degrees granted annually, created new professional programs in engineering, law, pharmacy, and medicine, and set new design standards while beautifying the campuses; he has also overseen the creation of the UNT Dallas campus and the expansion of the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth, and he has celebrated the designation of UNT as a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Endowment; and WHEREAS, Mr. Jackson has served his professional community as a member of the National Association of System Heads board and as chair of the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities and the Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors; in addition, he has served his local community on the boards of the Dallas Citizens Council and the Dallas Regional Chamber; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Jackson has enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Margaret, as well as that of his four children and three grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Lee Jackson's adept, forward-looking leadership and his unwavering integrity have helped guide the UNT System through a transformative period in its history, and his many valuable contributions will continue to resonate in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Lee F. Jackson on his retirement as chancellor of the University of North Texas System and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Jackson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Geren Stucky Giddings Ashby Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1926 was adopted by the House on May 12, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House