[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1612] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF DR. BILLY C. HAWKINS ______ HON. RALPH M. HALL of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, September 19, 2002 Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Billy C. Hawkins upon his inauguration as the Twentieth President of Texas College, in Tyler, Texas, on September 20, 2002. Dr. Hawkins has proven himself as a dynamic and courageous leader, and has already instituted tremendous change at Texas College since he became President on December 1, 2000. Dr. Hawkins has secured accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for Texas College, developed a single parent program, developed an accelerated degree program, and helped to greatly increase enrollment at Texas College. These accomplishments portray the dedication and success of Dr. Hawkins. I work closely with Dr. Hawkins and I am proud to honor him on the occasion of his Investiture Ceremony as the Twentieth President of Texas College. Dr Billy C. Hawkins is a native of Kent, Ohio and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He was a great football player in high school and at 21 years of age, he became the youngest head football coach in Michigan history. He enrolled at Ferris State University where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Teacher Education. He then went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from Central Michigan University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Michigan State University in Education Administration. In preparation for becoming a college president, Dr. Hawkins completed the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents. Dr. Hawkins' achievements and experiences have well-prepared him for his current position as President of Texas College. He served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs/Professor at Mississippi Valley State University from March 1, 1999 to November 31, 2000, as Vice President for Academic Affairs/Professor at Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia from September 1995 to February 1999, as Acting Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean/Full Professor in the College of Education at Ferris State University from 1985 to August 1995, and as Director of Educational Opportunity Program at the State University of New York at Morrisville College, Morrisville, New York from 1981 to 1985. Dr. Hawkins has authored two books--``Educating All Students (A Pathway to Success)'' and ``Reaching for the Stars.'' He has been featured on national television and at regional and national conferences to discuss our nation's special education system. Dr. Hawkins is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. In January 1999, he received appointment as a member of the Southside Virginia Business and Education Commission by former Governor James S. Gilmore, III, of Virginia. In August 2002, Dr. Hawkins was nominated by Secretary Ronald Paige of the United States Department of Education to serve on the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board to advise Congress regarding program progress for implementing construction financing on HBCU campuses. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Tyler Chamber of Commerce, the Tyler Economic Development Council, the Boys and Girls Club of Smith County. and the United Way. He is the proud father of two children, son Billy Jr. and daughter Marlana. In closing, I want to share what his good friend Mr. Darrell Green, of the Washington Redskins football team, has this to say about him: ``Dr. Billy Hawkins is a true leader in every sense of the word, and most importantly, my lifelong friend.'' Mr. Speaker, I proudly honor Dr. Billy C. Hawkins today as he is officially inaugurated as the Twentieth President of Texas College. ____________________