[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 11, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S9016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           DR. ED RICHARDSON

 Mr. SHELBY. Madam President, today I pay tribute to Dr. Ed 
Richardson, who has dedicated over 40 years of his life to improving 
Alabama's public education system. On July 15, 2007, Ed will step down 
as Auburn University's 17th President, and he will leave behind a 
legacy of achievement unparalled in Alabama.
  In the 1960s, Dr. Richardson worked in dual roles as a high school 
science teacher and assistant principal, with the objective of becoming 
a scientist for NASA. However, following a tragic accident that claimed 
the life of the Cloverdale School's principal, Dr. Richardson abandoned 
that aspiration to assume the role of principal. Taking over this 
position would propel Dr. Richardson into a long career in education, 
rising to the ranks of local superintendent, superintendent and 
university president.
  In 1982, Dr. Richardson was named superintendent of Auburn's school 
system, a career move that at the time was considered unwise. But he 
had a vision of excellence that proved the naysayers wrong. Thirteen 
years after becoming superintendent, Auburn's school system was 
regarded as one of the best in Alabama.
  Dr. Richardson's success at turning around Auburn's school system 
made him the ideal candidate for state superintendent. Faced with a 
formidable opponent who had the backing of the Governor and the Alabama 
Education Association, Dr. Richardson fought a hard campaign and was 
appointed Alabama's state superintendent 1995.
  While serving in this position, Dr. Richardson oversaw many 
legislative and policy changes to Alabama's educational system. 
Although he may be best known for implementing Alabama's Educational 
Accountability Act, which holds schools responsible for the performance 
of their students, he is also responsible for creating performance 
report cards for schools and universities.
  During Dr. Richardson's tenure as Alabama's superintendent, the high 
school drop out rate fell to historic lows, thanks in large part to his 
efforts to strengthen the State's high school graduation requirements, 
making them some of the most rigorous in the Nation. During this time, 
student academic performance reached an all-time high.
  Recognizing the importance of our educators, Dr. Richardson restored 
teacher testing to hold higher education instructors responsible for 
their students' performance. He also launched the Alabama Reading 
Initiative and piloted the Alabama Math, Science and Technology 
Initiative to give teachers the training and tools they need to better 
teach these important subjects.
  In 2004, Governor Bob Riley approached Dr. Richardson to take over as 
interim president at Auburn University. Following his acceptance of the 
position, Dr. Richardson wasted no time in taking charge and making 
much needed changes in key administrative positions. The culmination of 
his hard work came in December 2004, when Auburn regained its 
accreditation status.
  Finally, after serving two and a half years as interim president at 
Auburn University, the board of trustees unanimously named Dr. 
Richardson Auburn University's 17th President. As president of Auburn, 
Dr. Richardson pursued an aggressive agenda. He focused on the 
development of Auburn's research park, improving its airport, effecting 
changes in the structure of the university's agriculture programs and 
forging a close relationship with Auburn University-Montgomery.
  As Dr. Richardson, along with his wife Nell, embarks on another phase 
in his life he will remain an inspiration to many and will be 
remembered for his dedication and many contributions to Alabama's 
public education system. I wish him much luck in his future endeavors 
and I ask this entire Senate to join me in recognizing and honoring the 
life and career of my good friend Ed Richardson.

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