[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 174 (Tuesday, December 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF WILLIAM ``RANDY'' BATES, JR., JD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 10, 2013

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
accomplished business, legal and educational leader in my district. 
William ``Randy'' Bates, Jr., has been a successful businessman and 
attorney in Southeast Texas and has served as a member of the Lone Star 
College System for more than 20 years.
  Randy was the first African American appointed, and then elected, to 
the Lone Star College System board. He served as Vice Chair of the 
board and was twice elected board Chair.
  As a board member and as Chair during his tenure with the Lone Star 
College System, he has been instrumental in the system's growth, from 
fewer than 20,000 students and three colleges in 1991 to six colleges 
and a total enrollment of 90,000 students.
  Prior to his service in the field of higher education, Randy earned a 
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State 
University and his Juris Doctor from the Thurgood Marshall School of 
Law at Texas Southern University, where he later served as an Adjunct 
Professor.
  As a student at Texas Southern, Randy was elected Class President at 
the Thurgood Marshall School of Law and was the first African American 
to be selected Law Student Director for the Texas Young Lawyers 
Association, representing all law students in the State of Texas.
  Randy later founded the law firm of Bates & Coleman, PC, which 
specializes in Public Finance Law.
  His many accomplishments include being named Outstanding Texan in the 
field of Education by the Legislative Black Caucus, the Mayor's 
Distinguished Award from the City of El Paso and the Excellence in 
Achievement Award from Texas Southern University for years of 
outstanding service to education and the community.
  Randy is a lifelong member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is 
married to the former Glenda Underwood. They are the proud parents of 
three sons, Lamont, William and Jonathan.
  In recognition for his years of service to the Lone Star College 
System, the central building on the Lone Star College--Victory Center 
Campus will be named in his honor.
  Randy--I congratulate you on your distinguished service to the Lone 
Star College System and I offer my sincere appreciation for your many 
contributions to our community.

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