[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 201 (Tuesday, December 2, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4974-H4975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CELEBRATING KEVIN HOWELL

  (Ms. Ross of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate North Carolina State 
University's new chancellor, Kevin Howell, who was recently installed 
as the university's 15th chancellor.
  I have known Chancellor Howell for 30 years. He has served North 
Carolina State, the UNC system, and a former Governor at the highest 
levels.
  Originally from Shelby, North Carolina, Howell graduated from NC 
State and was the first Black student body president during his senior 
year. He went on to earn his law degree from UNC Chapel Hill and served 
as a law clerk for the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
  Howell was born and raised in North Carolina and spent many formative 
years at NC State, developing a deep appreciation and understanding of 
this thriving academic community.
  In 2015, his NC State family even saved his life. Chancellor Howell's 
kidneys failed while he was working for

[[Page H4975]]

former Chancellor Randy Woodson. One of his NC State coworkers did a 
historic and honorable thing, donating a kidney and saving his life. 
This selfless deed demonstrates the strength and unity that have 
defined NC State since its founding in 1887.
  Chancellor Randy Woodson was an extraordinary leader who left his 
mark on the university forever. I have no doubt that Chancellor Howell 
will excel and continue leading NC State and its students, staff, and 
faculty to even higher heights.
  Congratulations to Chancellor Howell. I look forward to our continued 
working relationship on behalf of NC State.


                    Honoring Reverend Janet Watrous

  Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
of Reverend Janet Watrous, who sadly passed away in October.
  Reverend Watrous was both a spiritual and social justice leader in 
our community for many years, and she was my neighbor.
  She got her start in the ministry when she graduated from the 
Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1977. When 
the Episcopal Church officially allowed women into the priesthood, she 
became a priest, going on to serve as the first woman in parishes 
across the country, including New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and 
eventually North Carolina.
  Janet was often called the Energizer Bunny by her colleagues because 
of her infectious attitude that made everyone around her want to work 
hard and do good. She led with love and light, whether it was through 
her diocesan work in North Carolina or serving as the president of 
Planned Parenthood.
  Our community will always remember her spirit and the lives she 
changed for the better.

                          ____________________