[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE RETIREMENT OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. JAY GOGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention 
to recognize the retirement of Auburn University's 18th President, Dr. 
Jay Gogue.
  Jay was raised in Waycross, Georgia, and earned bachelor's and 
master's degrees in horticulture from Auburn University before earning 
a doctorate in that field from Michigan State University.
  In July 2007, Dr. Gogue returned to Auburn University to serve as the 
18th president and has worked tirelessly to improve the academic 
strength of Auburn's student body.
  Under his leadership, Auburn is implementing a strategic plan focused 
on enhancing student success, supporting faculty excellence, 
strengthening public engagement and promoting research, scholarship and 
creative work.
  During his time as president, he has stayed connected with the 
students in the classroom and even teaches a graduate course in higher 
education administration where students learn university governance, 
leadership, budgeting and more. He enthusiastically worked in 
partnership with local and state officials to recruit new industry to 
the state of Alabama, creating jobs and economic opportunity.
  In 2013, Dr. Gogue was selected for the Michigan State University 
Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Alabama 
Academy of Honor, a group of 100 Alabamians ``chosen for accomplishment 
or service greatly benefiting or reflecting great credit on the 
State.'' He also held a 2012 appointment to the U.S. Department of 
Homeland Security's academic advisory council.
  Other memberships include Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor 
societies, Sigma Xi scientific research society and the National 
Society of Scabbard and Blade, the honorary military society for all 
branches of service.
  Dr. Gogue began his career at the U.S. Department of the Interior, 
where he worked for 12 years. Prior to returning to Auburn, he held a 
number of academic and administrative positions, starting at Texas A&M 
University as an assistant professor teaching and conducting research 
in plant science. Dr. Gogue later served as vice president for research 
and vice president/vice provost for agriculture and natural resources 
at Clemson University and as provost at Utah State University. He was 
selected as president of New Mexico State University in 2000. In 2003, 
he was named president of the University of Houston and chancellor of 
the University of Houston System.
  Jay and his wife, Susie, met in the 8th grade and married while they 
were both undergraduates at Auburn. They have three children, one 
grandchild and two dogs. They are remaining in the Auburn community and 
he will continue teaching a course in higher education leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing my friends, Jay and Susie, 
best wishes on retirement. I thank him for his hard work and commitment 
to Auburn University.

                          ____________________