TITLE: Recognizing David Leon Ford Jr. on the occasion of his retirement.

SUMMARY: Recognizing David Leon Ford Jr. on the occasion of his retirement.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Dr. David Leon Ford Jr., who is retiring from his position as a business professor at The University of Texas at Dallas on August 31, 2017, after 42 years of distinguished service; and WHEREAS, A professor of organizations, strategy, and international relations, Dr. Ford has played a key role in the growth of the programs and reputation of the Naveen Jindal School of Management through his exemplary teaching, research, and outreach efforts; and WHEREAS, Dr. Ford has been a top recruiter of doctoral students at the business school, and he has been singularly dedicated to increasing diversity among students and professors in management classrooms; in 1994, he helped establish the PhD Project, a national program with a mission to increase the number of black, Hispanic, and Native American business school professors; since the program's establishment, the number of minority professors across the nation has increased from 297 to more than 1,300; and WHEREAS, As a researcher, Dr. Ford has studied transformational leadership, organizational effectiveness, and leadership effectiveness across races and cultures; his numerous published works have led to grants, speaking engagements, and countless awards and recognitions; and WHEREAS, Dr. Ford exemplifies the highest ideals of service in higher education, and he has helped shape a culture of academic excellence at the Naveen Jindal School of Business Management; he is respected and admired by his colleagues, and his presence at the school will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend Dr. David Leon Ford Jr. for his outstanding contributions to The University of Texas at Dallas and the Naveen Jindal School of Management and extend to him best wishes in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. West President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 27, 2017.