[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING DR. VALERIE A. HEPBURN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 30, 2013

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Dr. Valerie A. 
Hepburn for her unprecedented service from July 2008 through June 2013 
as the 4th President of the College of Coastal Georgia and to wish her 
well as she returns to her chosen field of public policy.
   In addition to serving as College president, Dr. Hepburn held a 
faculty appointment as professor of public policy. She previously 
served as an administrator and faculty member in health policy and 
management at both the University of Georgia and Georgia State 
University. In 2006, Dr. Hepburn was awarded a prestigious Packer 
Policy Fellowship from the Australian Government. Prior to her academic 
service, she spent more than 20 years in senior leadership positions 
with state health, financing and regulatory agencies. She continues to 
work with public officials and research colleagues on health planning, 
education and resource allocation issues. She holds a Doctorate of 
Philosophy in Public Administration and Policy from the University of 
Georgia, a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State 
University and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Agnes 
Scott College.
   In 2008, when the University System of Georgia fulfilled the long-
standing dream of Southeast Georgia by granting senior college status 
to the local community college, Erroll B. Davis Jr., then Chancellor of 
the University System of Georgia, had the foresight to enlist Dr. 
Hepburn to lead the transition. As a result of her visionary 
leadership, she has forged lasting partnerships between the College and 
the community that powerfully impact the region. The College now serves 
as a catalyst for economic development as well as for arts and cultural 
development. A collaborative, comprehensive master plan charts the 
expansion of the College as it moves from a campus of commuters to a 
residential center while respecting the taxpayers' investment in 
facilities, embracing green initiatives responsive to our beautiful 
coastal environment. The academic programs cultivate community 
engagement, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and culminate 
in degrees with career value.
   The United States Department of Education has recognized the College 
of Coastal Georgia as being in the top 10 percent of affordable public 
colleges and universities across the nation. Additionally, the College 
is the first in the University System of Georgia to offer a 
baccalaureate degree in American Studies. The College provides an 
affordable, outstanding, comprehensive education for tomorrow's leaders 
and citizens through service learning, global awareness and engaged 
entrepreneurship. Dr. Hepburn has, in only five short years, shaped the 
model for a responsive and responsible institution of higher learning.

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