[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE RETIREMENT OF JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY 
                      PRESIDENT WILLIAM A. MEEHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2015

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
friend, Dr. William A. Meehan, who has gone above and beyond in his 
service to my alma mater, Jacksonville State University. Dr. Meehan is 
retiring from his post as the president of JSU on June 30th, 2015, 
where his leadership and support will be sorely missed.
  Dr. Meehan first enrolled at JSU as a freshman in 1968, completed his 
Bachelor of Science in biology in 1972 and in the same year began a 
career in education. In 1976, he earned his Master's of Science degree 
in biology at Jacksonville State University and the following year 
returned as an instructor in the Department of Biology. He received a 
Doctorate of Education in the field of higher education administration 
from the University of Alabama.
  Among the positions Dr. Meehan held at JSU prior to becoming 
president were: Coordinator of Medical Technology Program, Director of 
Academic Advisement, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, 
Associate Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Acting Vice 
President for Academic Affairs, and Acting Vice President for 
Institutional Advancement. He assumed the position of president on July 
1st, 1999.
  Dr. Meehan's expansive vision for JSU included looking to the future 
while drawing on the strengths of the past. One of his primary goals 
has been to extend classrooms and remove barriers to a college degree. 
Through the use of Internet, the University is able to make classes and 
learning more accessible to those who work, or for other reasons may 
not be able to reside on or near the main campus. Under Meehan's 
leadership, JSU is working to move forward to allow education to be an 
opportunity to those who were previously excluded.
  President Meehan has strived to ensure JSU's bright future; through 
partnerships with K-12 and community colleges, he has turned JSU into a 
campus in which education can be seen as a seamless process flowing 
from kindergarten through graduate school.
  While overseeing the development of the University's first strategic 
plan, Dr. Meehan said that JSU more accurately accomplished the 
institution's mission through integrating traditional academic programs 
with career-oriented programs for students. His initiative for the 
future was founded upon the principle that education spurs economic 
development.
  Dr. Meehan is also highly involved in the community. He has served as 
an executive committee member of the Board of Directors of the United 
Way of East Central Alabama, and is active in the area Chambers of 
Commerce of both Calhoun and Etowah Counties. Meehan is married to the 
former Elizabeth Stevens, and father to twin boys Drew and Will, and 
daughter Carol Grace. President Meehan is a devoted member of the First 
Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Alabama.
  On April 3rd, 2015, there will be a community-wide event to honor Dr. 
Meehan and his family.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Dr. William Meehan for his 
tireless dedication to Jacksonville State University and the 
surrounding community. His exemplary service in education is an 
inspiration. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________