[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



               E X T E N S I O N S   O F   R E M A R K S


[[Page E 1413]]


                       TRIBUTE TO CHARLES McCLAIN

                                 ______


                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 1995
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to pay tribute to 
an exceptional Missourian, Charles McClain, for dedicating 41 years of 
his life to the education of the young people of Missouri. After 6 
years as the commissioner of higher education [CBHE] for the State of 
Missouri, Charles McClain is stepping down.
  Educated at Southwest Missouri State University, he received his 
bachelor's degree in 1954. He received his doctorate from the 
University of Missouri-Columbia in 1961.
  From 1954 until 1959, Charles was a teacher and administrator in 
public schools throughout Missouri. In 1961, he became the assistant 
dean in the College of Education at the University of Missouri-
Columbia.
  Charles accepted the challenge of becoming the founding president of 
Jefferson College in 1963. Within 4 years of its establishment, the 
college received full accreditation.
  In 1970 Charles became the president of Northeast Missouri State 
University. While he was president, Northeast received nationwide 
recognition. In 1987 Northeast was ranked as one of the five most 
innovative colleges and universities in the country in a U.S. News & 
World Report survey of college university presidents. It was also 
selected as one of the Nation's best of the bargain colleges by 
Changing Times magazine and a panel of education professionals in 
March, 1988.
  Charles took over as the State commissioner of higher education in 
July, 1989. As the board's chief executive officer, the commissioner 
advises the board on policies and action decisions, administers all 
programs that are mandated by Missouri statute for CBHE implementation, 
and oversees the functions of the Department of Higher Education. 
During his time as commissioner he was responsible for the development 
of a core curriculum that will be required of all first-time, full-time 
freshmen starting in fall, 1996. Also during Charles McClain's tenure, 
the CBHE adopted teacher education goals to ensure that Missouri's 
teachers are highly qualified. Charles also worked to trim 
administrative expenses and improve accountability of institutions.
  I know that my colleagues join me in congratulating Charles McClain 
for an outstanding career and best wishes in his retirement.


                          ____________________