[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 18, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF GENE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2001

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Gene Smith 
for his many accomplishments as an educator and interim president at 
Middle Tennessee State University. Dr. Smith will end his outstanding 
career in the higher education arena on August 1 when he retires.
  Dr. Smith is an MTSU alumnus who came home to finish his career. 
After 37 years as an administrator and educator at the University of 
Memphis, Dr. Smith agreed to guide MTSU through a period of adjustment 
while the school sought a permanent president. Dr. Smith took the helm 
at MTSU on October 1, 2000.
  Dr. Smith, who grew up next door to the Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 
university in neighboring Wilson County, received his undergraduate 
degree from MTSU in 1957. He went on to receive his master's degree 
from the University of Memphis and his doctorate from the University of 
Mississippi. Dr. Smith also has authored numerous publications.
  During his short but productive tenure at MTSU, Dr. Smith kept the 
university of 19,000 students on a steady course. He made sure gains 
continued in the school's highly touted academic programs, and his 
leadership helped MTSU's athletic department earn the Sun Belt 
Conference's top award for excellence--the Vic Bubas Cup--after just 
one year in the conference.
  The entire MTSU community has profited from Dr. Smith's stewardship. 
I congratulate Dr. Smith for his outstanding career in higher education 
and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

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