[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 107 (Wednesday, September 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED PRESIDENCY OF DR. JAMES WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2000

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Dr. James Walker for 
his accomplishments during his tenure as Middle Tennessee State 
University's president.
  Some of Dr. Walker's accomplishments are easily seen, like the new 
buildings on campus--the business aerospace building, nursing building, 
student recreation center, state-of-the-art library, student apartment 
complex and Greek Row. All were desperately needed bricks-and-mortar 
projects for a growing campus with changing technology needs. As an 
alumnus and avid Blue Raider football fan, I was particularly thrilled 
by the recent renovation of the Johnny ``Red'' Floyd Stadium. The 
renovation helped moved MTSU's football program to Division I-A.
  Enrollment at MTSU has increased nearly 32 percent from 15,673 
students in 1991 to a projected 20,663 students this fall. Under Dr. 
Walker's leadership, MTSU has attracted more high-quality students. 
During the past 10 years, MTSU student ACT scores have surpassed state 
and national averages. Just last year, MTSU was given the go-ahead to 
establish Tennessee's first Honors College.
  During his tenth year as MTSU President, Dr. Walker is leaving to 
become president of Southern Illinois University, where, at the age of 
30, he worked as an assistant professor.
  Dr. Walker's administrative colleagues at SlU, MTSU, University of 
Northern Colorado, California State University, Illinois State 
University, University of Alabama and Western Michigan University can 
attest to his many accomplishments and accolades over the last 30 
years. Dr. Walker, thank you for the many wonderful things you did for 
MTSU and the entire Middle Tennessee community. I and many other 
Nfiddle Tennesseans will surely miss your leadership and enthusiasm. 
Good luck at Southern Illinois University.

                          ____________________