[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 16, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S9491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CHARLES L. SHEARER

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute to one of Kentucky's 
finest educators. Dr. Charles L. Shearer has served as president of 
Transylvania University for over 20 years and he has helped shape it 
into the fine liberal arts institution it is today.
  Upon Dr. Shearer's inception as Transylvania University's president 
20 years ago, he brought with him a doctorate in economics and teaching 
experience. Charles also spent 4 years as the university's vice 
president of finance where he successfully eliminated Transylvania's 
deficits. Although campus enrollment was low then, Dr. Shearer helped 
Transylvania rebound from 605 in 1983 to a record 1,109 during the fall 
of 2002.
  Achieving the highest quality of education in the classroom possible 
has been a top priority throughout Dr. Shearer's tenure as president. 
The top 25 students in each class are awarded the William T. Young 
Scholarship. The Bingham, Jones and Kenan programs encourage retainment 
and recruitment of faculty by awarding bonuses to deserving teachers.
  Dr. Shearer's leadership helped raise the endowment from $4.1 million 
in 1983 to $110 million today. While funds peaked at $129.3 million in 
1998, the school has been able to make the necessary improvements and 
growth that have shaped Transylvania University. In the past 20 years 
the additions to the campus have included the Young Campus Center, the 
Rosenthal and Poole residence halls, the Cowgill business center, the 
Lucille Little Theatre, the Clive Beck Athletic and Recreation Center, 
the John R. Hall Field for intramurals and athletics, and the Marquard 
baseball field.
  The commitment and devotion Dr. Charles Shearer has demonstrated to 
Transylvania University is inspiring. Fewer than 5 percent of college 
or university presidents serve 20 years or more. His ability to work 
and grow with people has enabled Dr. Shearer to serve Transylvania 
University in a spectacular way. While Dr. Shearer has received 
numerous offers to serve at other academic institutions, he has 
declined in order to continue his role at Transylvania and thus has 
become the longest serving president in the school's 223-year history. 
I am thrilled Dr. Shearer has remained at Transylvania and am 
optimistic for the university's future. I thank the Senate for allowing 
me to recognize Dr. Shearer and Transylvania University. He is one of 
Kentucky's best at one of its finest institutions.

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