TITLE: Congratulating Dr. Ken Tasa on his retirement as Brazosport College senior vice president of academic and student affairs.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Dr. Ken Tasa on his retirement as Brazosport College senior vice president of academic and student affairs.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Dr. Ken Tasa is retiring as senior vice president of academic and student affairs of Brazosport College in August 2013, concluding a distinguished 40-year career with that institution; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Texas A&M University at Commerce, Dr. Tasa earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics, his master's degree in chemistry, and his doctoral degree in community college education; he taught science in the Lone Oak Independent School District before joining the faculty at Brazosport College as a chemistry professor in 1973; and WHEREAS, Dr. Tasa became chair of the mathematics and science division in 1991, and he was appointed to his present position seven years later; throughout his tenure, he has placed a strong emphasis on student success and helping to narrow the achievement gap; he has developed numerous programs to address the changing needs of the college and the community, and he has further shared his leadership as president of the Brazosport College Faculty Assembly; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Dr. Tasa has served on the advisory committee for the nuclear power technology degree program at Wharton County Junior College, and he has been involved in workshops and conferences for such organizations as the National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development, the Texas Community College Instructional Administrators, and the Texas Association of College Technical Educators; he has also been secretary of the chemistry section of the Texas Community College Teachers Association, and he has served on advisory panels for the National Science Foundation; and WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan has benefited the wider community in a variety of roles; a Paul Harris Fellow of the Angleton Rotary Club, he has shared his time as a member of the career and technology advisory council for the Sweeny Independent School District, and he has coached Junior Olympic girls softball; moreover, he has served First United Methodist Church in Angleton as treasurer and as chair of the finance committee, the pastor-parish relations committee, and the administrative board; in all his endeavors, he enjoys the support and encouragement of his wife, Pat Tasa, and his daughters, Laura Tasa and Heather Brizendine, and he is devoted to his two-year-old grandson, Gage Brizendine; and WHEREAS, Over the course of more than four decades, Ken Tasa has set high standards to which all educators may aspire, and his accomplishments as an administrator, teacher, and mentor have earned him the lasting respect and admiration of his colleagues and students alike; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby congratulate Dr. Ken Tasa on his retirement as Brazosport College senior vice president of academic and student affairs 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. Tasa as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Bonnen of Brazoria Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 66 was adopted by the House on July 25, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House