[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 121 (Thursday, July 25, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. AUBREY K. LUCAS

 Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, on behalf of the people of 
Mississippi, I honor the exceptional public service of Dr. Aubrey K. 
Lucas, whose lifelong commitment to education has significantly 
benefited the people of Mississippi.
  Dr. Lucas is an expert in education, beginning with the three degrees 
he earned studying the subject: bachelor's and master's degrees from 
the University of Southern Mississippi and a Ph.D. from Florida State 
University. After completing his studies, he began his lengthy career 
serving Mississippi universities.
  From 1971 to 1975, Dr. Lucas served as the fourth president of Delta 
State University in Cleveland, MS. He improved the school's reputation 
and led efforts to get the institution reaccredited for teacher 
education. On his watch, Delta State College became Delta State 
University.
  The next year, Dr. Lucas was installed as the sixth president of the 
University of Southern Mississippi, USM. The university flourished 
under his care. He served as president for 21 years, overseeing the 
creation of the Center of International Education and the Polymer 
Science Institute. He did it all with style, always recognizable on 
campus for his trademark bowtie. In true Dr. Lucas fashion, he answered 
the call to serve as interim president of USM on two separate occasions 
after he had retired.
  Over the years, countless Mississippians and students have benefited 
from Dr. Lucas's dedicated work. Governor Haley Barbour recognized Dr. 
Lucas with the Mississippi Medal of Service. More recently, the 
Mississippi Pinnacle Awards bestowed on him the Lifetime Achievement-
Humanitarian Award, in honor of his lifetime of public service.
  Dr. Lucas remains active in many civic and charitable organizations. 
He serves as chair of the Mississippi Arts Commission and of the board 
of directors of the Hattiesburg Area Community Foundation. It is for 
his achievements, legacy, and continued service that I praise Dr. 
Aubrey K. Lucas today in the Congressional Record.

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