[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 6267-6268]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND RETIREMENT OF KEITH D. McFARLAND, PH.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true public 
servant who has dedicated his entire life to higher education, Dr. 
Keith D. McFarland.
  His teaching career began in 1966 while working on his doctoral 
degree, and since then, he has taught at both the undergraduate and 
graduate levels. Dr. McFarland has published books, reviews and 
numerous articles dealing with twentieth century military history, and 
has also made professional presentations dealing with his discipline 
and graduate studies.
  In 1969, Dr. McFarland became an Assistant Professor of History at 
East Texas State University. This position would pave the way for him 
to become President of the institution, which in 1996 became part of 
The Texas A&M University System as Texas A&M University-Commerce.
  During Dr. McFarland's tenure, he was able to take Texas A&M 
University-Commerce to new academic heights--twenty new programs were 
introduced at the bachelor's, master's

[[Page 6268]]

and doctoral levels. With enrollment at its highest point in 25 years, 
the university remains one of Texas' top producers of teachers, 
principals, superintendents, school counselors and educational 
diagnosticians. The MBA program is considered the number three best buy 
in the Nation.
  In the past 4 years, administrative costs have dropped from 11\1/2\ 
percent to 9\1/2\ percent, while external gifts and research funding 
has increased by over 200 percent.
  Passionate about improving a deteriorating physical plant, Dr. 
McFarland pushed for the first new Campus Master Plan in 40 years. In 
2001, he began the first campus construction project since 1977. This 
project lead to the demolition of forty-one defunct buildings, 
replacing them with modern and efficient classrooms and support 
facilities. Under construction today is the Sam Rayburn Student Center, 
named for one of my personal heroes.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to join the many graduates of Texas A&M 
University-Commerce, including my wife Mary Ellen, in congratulating 
Dr. McFarland upon his retirement. I can't think of a better testament 
to public service than educating tomorrow's leaders, and Dr. McFarland 
is to be commended for his commitment to the field of higher education. 
Please join me in honoring him on this prestigious occasion.

                          ____________________