Bill Text: MS SC558 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize Dr. Al Rankins of Greenville, Mississippi, as first African American to serve as Commissioner of IHL.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-1)
Status: (Passed) 2020-06-03 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC558 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2020-SC558-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Simmons (12th), Jackson (11th), Blackmon, Hopson, Turner-Ford, Frazier, Thomas, Barnett, Simmons (13th), Blount, Jackson (32nd), Butler, Horhn, Jordan, Norwood
Senate Concurrent Resolution 558
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING DR. AL RANKINS OF GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO SERVE AS COMMISSIONER OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN MISSISSIPPI AND COMMENDING HIS RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP.
WHEREAS, in observance of Black History Month, we join the higher education community in Mississippi in recognizing Dr. Al Rankins of Greenville, Mississippi, as the first African American to serve as Commissioner of Higher Education in Mississippi. We also recognize his leadership in making sure the investment students make in a college education pays off in the form of good employment opportunities by working with the business community to offer curricula to equip students with skills needed for future human capital demands in Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Greenville native Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr., who began serving as Commissioner of Higher Education for the Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) on July 1, 2018, got into higher education as a career almost by chance. After graduating from Greenville High School, he went to Alcorn State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Following that, he earned Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Mississippi State University (MSU). While a faculty member at MSU, Dr. Rankins was recruited to teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. He also served as a Statewide Extension Specialist with the MSU Extension Service; and
WHEREAS, as Commissioner, Dr. Rankins oversees the administration of the eight public universities in Mississippi. He had experience both as an academic and an administrator prior to being named Commissioner of Higher Education. He served as Deputy Commissioner of the IHL before being named in 2014 as President of Alcorn State University, his alma mater and the oldest land-grant Historically Black College and University in the country. Earlier, he also served as acting President of Mississippi Valley State University. David R. Shaw, Vice President, Office of Research and Economic Development, Mississippi State University, was the major advisor for Commissioner Rankins on both his masters and doctoral programs; and
WHEREAS, his experience in the university system office and as a university President gives him unique insight into the strengths of the system and what can be improved. Dr. Rankins has a tremendous ability to listen, synthesize information, and then make solid decisions based on that information, as well as his own insights and intuition; and
WHEREAS, "Commissioner Rankins' strong leadership and wise counsel helps move Mississippi forward by educating students, serving communities and pursuing innovative research that contributes to economic growth and development," said MSU President Dr. Mark E. Keenum. "All of us at Mississippi State University are very proud of all that he has accomplished as a Mississippi State University alumnus and former Associate Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Specialist with the MSU Extension Service." As Commissioner of Higher Education, he has worked to ensure that all the state universities maintain financial stability; provide high-quality and affordable postsecondary educational opportunities; are recognized statewide and nationally for their significant contribution and role in advancing the State of Mississippi, and partner with other state agencies and business leaders to attract more high-skill jobs to Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, "I think it is critically important to keep our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)," Dr. Rankins said. "All three of our HBCUs in the IHL system provide a quality education that is accessible and affordable and do so within their own unique cultural and social environments; and
WHEREAS, as President of Alcorn State University, Dr. Rankins was credited with completing major capital projects and overseeing projects to improve campus infrastructure. In addition to the 1,700-acre Lorman campus, the university also includes branch locations in Natchez and Vicksburg. Rankins was credited with helping the university establish new academic programs and making important discoveries through its research. Alcorn received national recognition for its commitment to the student experience. In athletics, Alcorn has won several conference championships and a national championship, while graduating student-athletes in record numbers; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Rankins grew up in the Delta, and recalls his childhood in Greenville with fondness. His role models are his parents, Mary and Alfred Rankins, Sr., and his maternal grandfather, George Lee White. His main recreation is supporting and watching his daughter, Aftyn, and son, Alfred, participate in their school athletics, and being involved in church activities with his wife, Juandalyn. In 2018, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Mississippi and Senator Willie Simmons extended the greetings of the Mississippi Senate to the First Lady of Alcorn State University, Mrs. Juandalyn R. Rankins, as Keynote Speaker for the 100 Black Men of Bolivar County at the Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Service on January 15, 2018; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize an outstanding university administrator whose good will, devotion and leadership serves as a wonderful example for our public institutions of higher learning and their students:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That in observance of Black History Month, we do hereby recognize Dr. Al Rankins of Greenville, Mississippi, as the first African American to serve as Commissioner of Higher Education in Mississippi and commend his record of achievement and leadership, and extend to Dr. Rankins and his wife, Juandalyn, our appreciation and best wishes for future successes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Al Rankins and Juandalyn Rankins, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
