TITLE: Congratulating Stephen Hartmann of Midland on his retirement as executive director of University Lands for The University of Texas System.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Stephen Hartmann of Midland on his retirement as executive director of University Lands for The University of Texas System.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Stephen Hartmann of Midland retired as executive director of University Lands for The University of Texas System on April 30, 2011, concluding a distinguished career with the institution that spanned more than three decades; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Southwest Texas State University, Steve Hartmann earned his master's degree in range science from Texas A&M University; he joined UT Lands-Surface Interests as a field representative in 1976 and served as director of University Lands-West Texas Operations for five years before his appointment as executive director in 1997; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hartmann was the first individual to assume responsibility for all aspects of University Lands operations, including the management of 2.1 million acres of Permanent University Fund properties across 19 West Texas counties; in addition to directing the management of oil, gas, and other mineral operations, he oversaw grazing, farming, and hunting leases, as well as utility easements and business sites; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of this dynamic and plain-spoken Texan, the annual revenue from University Lands increased fivefold, adding a cumulative income of more than $3.7 billion to the Permanent University Fund and Available University Fund; in 2011, contributions to the Permanent University Fund will exceed $800 million; Mr. Hartmann added significant new revenue sources, including Ste. Genevieve Winery, Mesa Vineyard, which is the largest vineyard in Texas, and vast wind farms to generate power for Texas residents and businesses; moreover, he recently presided over two record-breaking sales of leases for mineral development on University Lands, facilitated by his implementation of technology such as a robust GIS system enabling online mapping and access of well data; and WHEREAS, The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service recognized Mr. Hartmann in 2009 for land conservation and restoration efforts, and he received the W. R. Chapline Land Stewardship Award from the Society for Range Management; he served the Society for Range Management-Texas Section as president, as a director, and in myriad other leadership roles, and he also served on the Texas Tech College of Agricultural Sciences Dean's Advisory Committee; in addition, he has given generously of his time and talents as a member of the International Right-of-Way Association, the International Pipeline Committee, the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, and Midland's Environmental Professionals; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Hartmann enjoys the support and encouragement of his wife, Georgia, and their two sons, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter; and WHEREAS, Admired for his integrity, responsible stewardship of the land, and exceptional business acumen, Steve Hartmann greatly benefited The University of Texas System and the entire Lone Star State, and his accomplishments will continue to resonate in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby congratulate Steve Hartmann on his retirement as executive director of University Lands for The University of Texas System and extend sincere appreciation for his outstanding contributions; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Hartmann as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Craddick Straus Gonzales of Williamson Morrison Aliseda Gonzalez Munoz, Jr. Allen Gooden Murphy Alonzo Guillen Naishtat Alvarado Gutierrez Nash Anchia Hamilton Oliveira Anderson of Dallas Hancock Orr Anderson of McLennan Hardcastle Otto Aycock Harless Parker Beck Harper-Brown Patrick Berman Hartnett Paxton Bohac Hernandez Luna Pena Bonnen Hilderbran Perry Branch Hochberg Phillips Brown Hopson Pickett Burkett Howard of Fort Bend Pitts Burnam Howard of Travis Price Button Huberty Quintanilla Cain Hughes Raymond Callegari Hunter Reynolds Carter Isaac Riddle Castro Jackson Ritter Chisum Johnson Rodriguez Christian Keffer Schwertner Coleman King of Parker Scott Cook King of Taylor Sheets Craddick King of Zavala Sheffield Creighton Kleinschmidt Shelton Crownover Kolkhorst Simpson Darby Kuempel Smith of Harris Davis of Dallas Landtroop Smith of Tarrant J. Davis of Harris Larson Smithee S. Davis of Harris Laubenberg Solomons Deshotel Lavender Strama Driver Legler Taylor of Collin Dukes Lewis Taylor of Galveston Dutton Lozano Thompson Eiland Lucio III Torres Eissler Lyne Truitt Elkins Madden Turner Farias Mallory Caraway Veasey Farrar Margo Villarreal Fletcher Marquez Vo Flynn Martinez Walle Frullo Martinez Fischer Weber Gallego McClendon White Garza Menendez Woolley Geren Miles Workman Giddings Miller of Comal Zedler Gonzales of Hidalgo Miller of Erath Zerwas President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 154 was adopted by the House on May 12, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 154 was adopted by the Senate on May 12, 2011, by a viva-voce vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor