[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY D. TERRY, PH.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2006

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Larry 
D. Terry, a leader in the fields of public administration and social 
research. On Saturday, June 17, 2006, this beloved father, mentor, 
scholar, educator, and friend passed away. The passing of a loved one 
is always a great loss to family and friends. When that loss is so 
sudden, and when that person has touched and affected the lives of so 
many, it is incumbent upon us to stop and remember such a person with 
gratitude and respect.
  Today I come before you to express condolences to the family and 
friends of Larry D. Terry, Ph.D., but also to celebrate the life of a 
youth from Oklahoma, who grew in prominence to become a vital leader in 
his field and one of the most distinguished graduates of Virginia 
Polytechnic Institute and the State University of Blacksburg, Virginia.
  Larry grew up in a family where religion and spirituality were 
foundations of family life, and educational achievement was stressed. 
At Lincoln University of Jefferson, Missouri, he majored in political 
science and earned his bachelor of arts degree. In 1978, he received 
his master of science degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, 
Missouri, where he majored in community development. In 1989, he earned 
a Ph.D. in public administration and public affairs at Virginia 
Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he specialized in 
organization theory and behavior.
  Dr. Terry had a most distinguished professional career as adjunct 
professor, assistant professor, associate professor, full professor, 
assistant dean, university provost and university vice president, 
however his students will best remember him as a dynamic teacher who 
cared about their success and demanded excellence. His curriculum vitae 
tells the story of his professional life and his commitment to his 
students, his universities and to the local, State and Federal agencies 
and organizations throughout the country that he served.
  I met Dr. Larry Terry during his 12-year tenure at the Maxine G. 
Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. He was 
not only on staff at the university--he was my constituent both where 
he lived and worked. He was also a visionary. Dr. Terry understood his 
role in preparing students to be ethical, responsible administrators. 
He understood the relationship between quality service delivery, an 
informed and active citizenry, and a strong democratic government. 
While working with public and private partners, he sought methods of 
best practices and leadership to insure the success of those 
partnerships.
  Dr. Terry was a distinguished scholar with wide-ranging interests, 
evidenced by publications encompassing academic articles, books, and 
book reviews. He was the youngest and the first African American editor 
for the Public Administration Review, a leading journal. In 1999, he 
was the youngest person to be inducted into the National Academy of 
Public Administration. Dr. Terry was also a special friend and mentor 
for African American students, particularly males, who saw in Dr. Terry 
the possibilities for themselves.
  For all of the students who had the good fortune to know him, Dr. 
Larry Terry was an advisor, mentor, and friend. As assistant dean for 
graduate programs, at Levin College, he was responsible for the 
college's Ph.D. program. During his tenure, more Ph.D. students 
enrolled and graduated than at any other time in the history of the 
program.
  In 2001 Dr. Terry left Cleveland State University for the position of 
associate provost at the University of Texas at Dallas. There he faced 
new challenges, new opportunities and new successes. At the time of his 
death he was vice president for business affairs at the university.
  Although we are saddened by the loss of someone we loved and 
respected, especially one so young and full of potential, today I join 
Larry's children: Larry II, Felice, Jacob, and Gavin; his family and 
friends in celebrating the life of a hero. I celebrate the life of a 
vital Black man who seized the opportunity to expand his knowledge, 
broaden his horizons through service, and leave a lasting legacy 
through written words and lessons shared with students.
  The torch has now been passed to his students, to make our world a 
better place. And to Dr. Larry D. Terry's colleagues, I urge you to 
celebrate his life by expanding on his many good works. His legacy will 
continue.
  May God bless Dr. Larry D. Terry.




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