[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E515-E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. JOHN WELTY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague Mr. 
Nunes to recognize Dr. John Welty as he is honored for his nearly 22 
years of service as President at California State University, Fresno 
(Fresno State). His hard work and dedication on behalf of the students, 
staff, and faculty must be commended.
  John Welty grew up on a small farm in North Central Illinois. From a 
young age, his parents always stressed the importance of education and 
literacy. Tragically, when John was only ten years old, his father 
passed away. As the eldest of six children, he strived to make his 
father and the rest of his family proud, so his studies became a top 
priority.
  In 1965, John became the first person in his family to graduate from 
college with a bachelor's in Social Science from Western Illinois 
University, Macomb. John continued his education at Michigan State 
University by obtaining his master's in College Student Personnel 
Services, and in 1974, Mr. Welty became Dr. Welty when he graduated 
from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a doctorate in 
Administration of Higher Education.
  Prior to his tenure at Fresno State, Dr. Welty held several other 
positions in university administration. He was an Admissions Counselor 
at Michigan State University and Assistant Vice President for Student 
Affairs at

[[Page E516]]

Southwest State University. Dr. Welty also served at the State 
University of New York as Director of Residences, Associate Dean for 
Student Affairs, and Assistant Professor of Counseling and Student 
Development. Additionally, he served as Vice President for Student and 
University Affairs at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and 
subsequently served as the President for seven years. Dr. Welty's many 
years of experience and expertise prepared him well to serve as 
President at Fresno State.
  To say that Dr. Welty made a difference around the Fresno State 
campus is a vast understatement. With the help of faculty and staff, he 
truly changed Fresno State for the better, and we must express our 
gratitude for all of his efforts. In the last 22 years, Dr. Welty has 
increased enrollment, and each year reduced the number of students that 
drop out. The university currently offers 62 bachelor degrees, 45 
master degrees, and three doctoral subject areas. Students from all 
over the nation are drawn to Fresno State for a number of reasons, 
including the Smittcamp Family Honors College within the university, an 
honors programs created with Dr. Welty at the helm.
  Dr. Welty's leadership ensured that students of all cultures and 
socio-economic backgrounds knew that there was a place for them at 
Fresno State--by doing this he served as a catalyst for the success of 
our Valley and the enrichment of the university environment. Two-thirds 
of the students enrolled at Fresno State will be the first in their 
family to graduate from college. Furthermore, Women's athletics and 
women's intercollegiate sports program have grown and flourished under 
Dr. Welty's time as university president. His legacy at Fresno State 
will live on for years to come because of his commitment to student 
success.
  Additionally, several institutes and centers at Fresno State have 
been created during Dr. Welty's tenure, including the Lyles Center for 
Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Central Valley Educational 
Leadership Institute, the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, and 
the Maddy Institute. These centers provide students with imperative 
resources and knowledge in their respective fields.
  With Dr. Welty and dedicated staff at the helm, the university 
received private gifts totaling more than $360 million which supported 
innovative programs, scholarships, faculty chairs, and research 
facilities. The Campaign for Fresno State surpassed its goal and raised 
$214.2 million to help offset declining state resources.
  In addition to all of his successes at Fresno State, Dr. Welty has 
accomplished many feats within the California State University, CSU, 
System, and he has served in various capacities to help in educational 
improvements nationwide. He is the former chair of the Western 
Association of Schools and Colleges senior accrediting commission, and 
former chair of the American Association of State Colleges and 
Universities board.
  Dr. Welty has previously served on advisory groups to the United 
State Departments of Agriculture and Education, and formerly chaired 
the Renaissance Group, a national organization of universities 
dedicated to improved teacher education programs. Dr. Welty is also the 
current Chair of the Cal State Online Advisory Board, as well as the 
CSU Gender Equity Monitoring Committee. Furthermore, he has worked 
diligently on a nationwide effort to reduce substance abuse and improve 
prevention on college campuses.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Mr. Nunes and myself in 
recognizing Dr. John Welty for his great service and commitment to 
Fresno State and its surrounding community. As a Fresno State alumnus, 
I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that have been made under 
Dr. Welty's guidance, and I thank him for his many contributions toward 
improving California State University, Fresno.

                          ____________________