TITLE: Honoring Dr. Robert Nelsen on his distinguished service as president of The University of Texas--Pan American.

SUMMARY: Honoring Dr. Robert Nelsen on his distinguished service as president of The University of Texas--Pan American.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, An esteemed educator and administrator, Dr. Robert Nelsen has rendered exceptional service in his role as president of The University of Texas--Pan American; and WHEREAS, Born and raised on a small cattle ranch in Montana, Robert Nelsen paid his way through college by working as a janitor in the early mornings and by selling fishing supplies and western clothing in the evenings; graduating with bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University, he eventually earned his doctorate from the Committee on Social Thought at The University of Chicago; and WHEREAS, Before accepting his position at UTPA, Dr. Nelsen served for nearly two decades as a faculty member at The University of Texas at Dallas, where he established the creative writing program and helped develop the arts and humanities curriculum; for many years, he served as the Speaker of the Faculty at UTD, and he also chaired the UT System Faculty Advisory Council; he was recognized with the Chancellor's Council Award for Outstanding Teaching and was later promoted to vice provost; and WHEREAS, Dr. Nelsen left UTD to accept a position as a professor of English and associate vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi; while there, he oversaw budget preparations for academic affairs and implemented the university's Business Incubator and Center for Academic Athletic Success; and WHEREAS, Since his appointment as president of UTPA in 2010, Dr. Nelsen has advocated in behalf of his students and community in myriad ways; he moved into a residence hall during the first month of his presidency to meet students and familiarize himself with the campus environment, and he has challenged graduates to become agents of change; a source of inspiration to many, he is also a published fiction writer; and WHEREAS, The University of Texas--Pan American is fortunate to have a passionate and engaged leader, and Dr. Nelsen's commitment to his students and faculty is shaping an even brighter future for the UTPA community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend Dr. Robert Nelsen for his notable contributions to The University of Texas--Pan American 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. Nelsen as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Canales Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2458 was adopted by the House on May 24, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House