TITLE: In memory of Dr. Audwin LaBarron Anderson.

SUMMARY: In memory of Dr. Audwin LaBarron Anderson.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas State University community is mourning the loss of Dr. Audwin LaBarron Anderson, a beloved professor and a friend to many, who passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 66; and WHEREAS, Born on July 2, 1958, Audwin Anderson earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in sociology from Texas State University and completed his doctoral degree at Texas A&M University; he wrote his dissertation on "Race, Interscholastic Athletic Participation, and Early Educational Achievement in the United States"; in 1989, he joined the faculty of the University of South Alabama, and five years later, he began his exemplary career at Texas State; he served in a number of leadership roles, including director of the Center for Diversity and Gender Studies and director of sociology graduate programs; following his retirement in 2024, he was named associate professor emeritus; and WHEREAS, Dr. Anderson focused his research on social theory, race/ethnicity, and inequality; a brilliant, kind, and inspiring teacher, he brought topics to life for his students and sparked thoughtful, challenging, and exciting debates and discussions; he was exceptionally supportive of young scholars, going above and beyond to help them advance academically; over the years, he received such accolades as the Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Liberal Arts and the Phi Kappa Phi Favorite Professors Award; he mentored fellow educators as well as students, and they often sought him out for wise counsel, joyful laughter, and engaging conversations about politics, music, and sports; his knowledge of jazz and blues was encyclopedic, and he was a great fan of baseball, especially his Atlanta Braves; and WHEREAS, Over the course of three decades at Texas State University, Audwin Anderson enriched the lives of innumerable people, and he will be remembered with great admiration and affection by all who were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Audwin L. Anderson and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Audwin Anderson. Zwiener Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 523 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 31, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House