TITLE: Recognizing Suzanne Shipley for her service as president of Midwestern State University.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Suzanne Shipley for her service as president of Midwestern State University.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dr. Suzanne Shipley concluded her tenure as president of Midwestern State University on August 31, 2021, drawing to a close six years of outstanding service to the institution; and WHEREAS, After becoming president of MSU Texas in 2015, Dr. Shipley helped direct the university's Boundless Opportunities campaign, which increased its fundraising target to $75 million; she also oversaw the renovation of Daniel Hall, the establishment of the Priddy Scholarship for first-generation students, and the acquisition of a gift in support of the renaming of the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering; and WHEREAS, Other achievements during her tenure include the addition of Centennial Hall, upgrades to Moffett Library and Bridwell Hall, the creation of the United Supermarkets Community Learning Center, and the construction of the mass communication wing of the Fain Fine Arts Center; moreover, Dr. Shipley ably led the university's efforts to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as she leaves MSU, the school is preparing to become a member of the Texas Tech University System and to advance its first doctoral degree program in educational leadership; and WHEREAS, A proud native of West Texas, Dr. Shipley earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in German studies from Texas Tech University and her doctorate in German language and literature from The University of Texas at Austin; she began her academic career in 1986 as a professor at the University of Cincinnati, where she became director of the University Honors program; she went on to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Arizona University, as vice president of academic affairs at Notre Dame of Maryland University, and as president of Shepherd University in West Virginia; and WHEREAS, Suzanne Shipley's dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence have greatly benefited MSU Texas and earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, and she may indeed reflect with pride on her exemplary service to the university as she embarks on the next exciting chapter of her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate Dr. Suzanne Shipley on her retirement as president of Midwestern State University and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Dr. Shipley as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Springer President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 27, 2021.