TITLE: Congratulating Dr. Raymund A. Paredes on his retirement as Texas commissioner of higher education.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Dr. Raymund A. Paredes on his retirement as Texas commissioner of higher education.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dr. Raymund A. Paredes is retiring from his post as the Texas commissioner of higher education in August 2019, drawing to a close a tenure distinguished by significant progress and achievement; and WHEREAS, Dr. Paredes has served as CEO of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board since 2004, overseeing statewide strategic planning for education and the administration of financial aid; over the course of his exemplary 15-year tenure, he has led the effort to reinvent developmental education in Texas, introduced outcome-based funding for community and technical colleges, and launched an affordable bachelor's degree program at more than 10 institutions; and WHEREAS, A native of El Paso, Raymund Paredes earned his bachelor's degree in English from The University of Texas at Austin; he served for two years in the U.S. Army, including a 14-month tour of duty in Vietnam with the First Infantry Division, and after returning to civilian life, he received a master's degree in American studies from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in American civilization from UT Austin in 1973; and WHEREAS, Dr. Paredes spent much of his academic career at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he was an English professor and vice chancellor for academic development; he also served as special assistant to the president of the UC System, working on outreach efforts to improve access to education for students from educationally disadvantaged communities; he went on to serve as director of creativity and culture at the Rockefeller Foundation and as president for programs for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund; and WHEREAS, Dr. Paredes has been a member of the Education Commission of the States, the national board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the board of the Texas Cultural Trust, as well as a trustee of the College Board and Mercy College of New York; in 2007, he was named one of Hispanic Business magazine's 100 Most Influential Hispanics; and WHEREAS, This esteemed professional's vision, leadership, and commitment to the mission of higher education have greatly benefited the students of Texas, and he may indeed reflect with pride on all that he has accomplished; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby commend Dr. Raymund A. Paredes on his 15 years of service as Texas commissioner of higher education 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 Dr. Paredes as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Morrison Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 849 was adopted by the House on March 21, 2019, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House