[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING DR. CHRISTOPHER L. MARKWOOD

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                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2016

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, in a world riddled with self-service 
and promotion, true public servants are hard to come by. But in 
Georgia's higher education system, we are fortunate to have selfless 
and strong men and women to inspire our next generation. It is in the 
defense of hard work and promotion of academic excellence that 
Georgia's students recognize a true leader. And with great honor, I 
would like to recognize a new leader in Georgia and my friend, Dr. 
Christopher L. Markwood.
  On March 31, 2016, President Markwood will be formally inaugurated as 
the fifth president of Columbus State University. His confirmation 
comes without doubt, as his roles at Texas A&M University-Corpus 
Christi and the University of Wisconsin-Superior proved his ability to 
lead.
  President Markwood has already made a strong impact on both Columbus 
State University and the Columbus community. Since President Markwood 
was hired in June of 2015, Columbus State University has seen a spike 
in enrollment, and now serves 8,440 students from across the state and 
nation. The university recorded one of its largest fundraising years 
ever, bringing them close to their $106 million comprehensive goal. 
Columbus State University is now the home of the ``TSYS Center for 
Cybersecurity'', which trains our students in the growing and in-demand 
field of computer science and network security. Much of this would not 
have been possible without President Markwood's passion for the 
university's success.
  It has been a privilege to work with President Markwood during my 
last term in Congress and I look forward to watching Columbus State 
University continue to excel under his leadership. I wish President 
Markwood, his wife Bridget, and their daughter all the best as they 
continue to serve Cougar Nation.

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