The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING DR. RODNEY BENNETT, PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN
MISSISSIPPI
______
HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 19, 2022
Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Rodney Bennett for his outstanding service as President of the University of Southern Mississippi.
A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Bennett, and his wife Temple have two adult daughters, Colby, and Logan. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Tennessee State University in Nashville and Specialist, Master, and bachelor's degrees from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. He served as Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Georgia before being appointed as the 10th President of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
President Bennett established his vision for The University of Southern Mississippi to become the model for public higher education across the country, with six key institutional priorities; ensuring student success; expanding enrollment strategies; enhancing academic instruction; fostering a greater focus on research; bolstering economic and community partnerships; and maximizing human potential.
During his Presidency, USM achieved R1 status for research. Concurrently, USM reached significant fundraising milestones while enhancing community partnerships. The university expanded operations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast supported innovations in healthcare and invested in new faculty positions. His achievements include student success programming and executing nearly $300 million in capital improvements.
Under President Bennett's leadership, USM became one of only 14 R1 institutions in the nation that competed at the NCAA Division I level and maintained accreditation in all four primary areas of the Arts. He worked diligently to position USM as a Top Ten Military Friendly institution that was ranked first in the southeast and third in the nation by Military Times (2021) by expanding programs and services for military veterans and service members.
He was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa in 2019 and made history by becoming the first black president of a predominantly white Mississippi university and the first in USM's presidential lineage.
Madam Speaker, I recognize Dr. Bennett today for his exceptional work and dedication to the USM Golden Eagle Community, my very own alma mater, and the institution of higher learning. May God Bless Dr. Bennett and his family as they begin their next chapter of outstanding service. ``Southern Miss to The Top!!!''
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 137(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 137(2)
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