08 LC 95
0347
House
Resolution 1440
By:
Representatives Carter of the
175th,
Black of the
174th,
Shaw of the
176th,
and Royal of the
171st
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and commending Ronald M. Zaccari upon the occasion of his retirement from
Valdosta State University; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Mr. Ronald M. Zaccari is the president of Valdosta State University, a regional
university of more than 11,200 students from 46 states and 63 countries,
offering 56 undergraduate and 46 graduate degrees; and
WHEREAS,
during President Zaccari's tenure, the enrollment has increased by more than 14
percent; and
WHEREAS,
immediately upon his arrival in 2002, he launched an intensive strategic
planning process that has secured approximately $263 million in capital
construction, including additional residence halls, two multilevel parking
facilities, a student union, a student health center, and a health sciences and
business administration facility; and
WHEREAS,
one of his most significant contributions to Valdosta State University is the
new Health Sciences and Business Administration facility, which is currently on
the state's capital project list; and
WHEREAS,
this $47 million facility will directly respond to the state's critical need for
more health care professionals, represent a partnership with the region's
medical community, serve as a tremendous economic impact on South Georgia, and
provide the needed facilities to increase educational opportunities for citizens
of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
in 2007 he received the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation Stewardship,
presented by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in recognition of his
significant leadership and achievement in historic preservation as it relates to
state owned or administered properties or projects; and
WHEREAS,
he has a deep respect for every member of the faculty and staff, student,
alumnus, and friend of the university, is an unfailing teacher and mentor, and
he has worked tirelessly with the campus community and outside groups to move
Valdosta State University to a new level of excellence and performance;
and
WHEREAS,
President Zaccari is a national leader in the field of higher education, serving
on numerous state, regional, and national boards, including being a member of
the American Association of State College and Universities (AASCU) board of
directors and the AASCU Commission on Public University Renewal;
and
WHEREAS,
in 2005, president Zaccari was one of 35 public university presidents invited to
participate with the U.S. Secretary of Education in a three-day summit focusing
on mathematics and science initiatives, and he is a founding member of the
Valdosta-Lowndes Partnership for Metropolitan Development, which is a coalition
of 25 community leaders charged with developing a strategic vision for the
Valdosta-Lowndes geographical region; and
WHEREAS,
the legacy of President Zaccari will include not just mortar and bricks, but the
transformation of a campus culture that has changed lives in positive,
sensitive, and lasting ways.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body recognize and commend President Ronald M. Zaccari on the occasion of
his retirement and his exemplary service to Valdosta State University, his
community, and this state.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to President
Ronald M. Zaccari.