[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 39 (Monday, March 9, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1334-S1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. WILLIAM MEEHAN

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I wish to recognize Dr. William 
A. Meehan, who has served with great distinction and honor at 
Jacksonville State University for more than 40 years. I have known him 
since he became president in 1999, and my admiration for his leadership 
and for Jacksonville State University has only grown each year. Dr. 
Meehan is retiring from his post as president of JSU on June 30, 2015, 
where his extraordinary leadership and vision will be sorely missed.
  Dr. Meehan, along with his board of trustees, set a bold vision for 
Jacksonville State University. He inspired his team to put students 
first, to inspire their intellectual curiosity, and to nurture critical 
thinking, communication skills, and creativity in problem-solving. He 
led the creation of the university's first bold strategic plan that 
focuses on 21st-century skills.
  President Meehan set a course for JSU that would not only move the 
university forward but would fast-forward. Now, starting in the fall of 
2015, 500 entering freshmen at JSU will have an iPad; these students 
will have global technology at their fingertips and be prepared for the 
rigors of their academic pursuits.
  Under President Meehan's leadership JSU has excelled in many 
pursuits. Research funding continues to rise, with more than $23 
million in grants received last year, an increase of 515 percent. ACT 
scores of incoming freshmen have risen significantly over the past 
decade, housing occupancy rates have improved from 64 percent to 90 
percent, and student-to-faculty ratio is a stellar 17 to 1 under Dr. 
Meehan's leadership. JSU now enjoys a wide alumni base of more than 
60,000 in all 50 States and 95 countries around the world.
  President Meehan has focused the university on innovative approaches 
such as the creation of 12 interdisciplinary centers that yield 
practical applications and solutions to real-world problems. These 
centers concentrate on regional education, teaching and learning, 
security, applied forensics, disaster and community resilience, disease 
ecology, ecosystems, behavioral studies, economic development, 
emergency preparedness, environmental policy, and veteran support.
  Further, under President Meehan's leadership, JSU was just awarded a 
10-year reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of 
Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges, SACSCOC. JSU also enjoys 
significant program accreditations, attesting to the high-quality 
academics provided. JSU is also fierce on the playing field and lays 
claim to being the only school in the Nation to hold NCAA national 
titles in football, men's basketball and baseball at the Division I or 
Division II levels.
  President Meehan has a deep and abiding commitment to partnerships 
with K-12, community colleges, and the region in which he serves. He 
has extensive service with community initiatives and on education, 
economic development and community service strategic boards. His view 
of education is a seamless process flowing from kindergarten through 
graduate school,

[[Page S1335]]

which results in a high quality talented professional workforce.
  In addition to his strong and lasting legacy at JSU, President Meehan 
prides himself with a loving family. He is married to the former 
Elizabeth Stevens and is father to twin boys Drew and Will and daughter 
Carol Grace. President Meehan is a devoted member of the First Baptist 
Church of Jacksonville, AL.
  On April 3, 2015, there will be a community-wide event to honor Dr. 
Meehan and his family.
  On a personal note, I have found President Meehan to be one of 
Alabama's best university presidents. He is a driving force behind 
Jacksonville State University's sturdy and solid growth in all areas, 
from strong increases in academic scores to building on the community's 
fine reputation. He has been a constant source of information and good 
advice to me and the State's congressional delegation. He is, as all 
know, deeply committed to this great university, whose unique character 
he has further developed. I consider him a personal friend and a 
valuable advisor.
  Please join me in thanking Dr. William Meehan for his tireless 
dedication to Jacksonville State University and the surrounding 
community. His exemplary service in higher education is an inspiration, 
and because of his leadership, JSU is one of the great jewels of 
Alabama.

                          ____________________