S*1175 Resolution, By Scott
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE DR. ROSLYN CLARK ARTIS, PRESIDENT
 OF BENEDICT COLLEGE, FOR HER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS AS THE FIRST FEMALE
 PRESIDENT OF TWO COLLEGIATE INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES.

   04/17/18  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 5)

TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE DR. ROSLYN CLARK ARTIS, PRESIDENT OF BENEDICT COLLEGE, FOR HER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS AS THE FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF TWO COLLEGIATE INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis for serving as the first female president of both Florida Memorial University and Benedict College; and

Whereas, Dr. Artis is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she earned a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy. She also holds a Juris Doctor from West Virginia University College of Law, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from West Virginia State University, a Certificate of Fundraising Management from Indiana University, and a Certificate of Mastery in Prior Learning Assessment from DePaul University. Prior to her career in academia, she enjoyed a robust civil litigation practice; and

Whereas, Dr. Artis served for four years as the thirteenth president in the 138-year history of Florida Memorial University. Under her leadership, the university saw significant technological enhancements, new facility construction, innovative partnerships, and increased national exposure and resource development in the areas of STEM, cybersecurity, and social justice; and

Whereas, since 2017, Dr. Artis has served as the fourteenth president of Benedict College, which was founded in 1870 by Mrs. Bathsheba Benedict. Thoroughly committed to the proliferation and transformation of colleges and universities that serve underrepresented men and women of color, Dr. Artis brings to Benedict College a depth of knowledge in higher education and enthusiasm for students' success; and

Whereas, an educational advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Dr. Artis also served as Chair of the Education Committee for the Department of Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council; and

Whereas, nationally, she is a member of the Presidents' Advisory Board for Title III Administrators, the Educational Testing Service Presidents' Advisory Council, the Board of Directors for the United Negro College Fund, and the Board of Directors of the Council of Independent Colleges; and

Whereas, a strong local activist as well, she has served numerous community organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Links, Inc., Jack & Jill of America, the West Virginia Board of Law Examiners as chair, the Mountain State Bar Association as president, the Board of Directors of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Honey Shine, Inc. and the Beacon Council - Academic Leaders Council; and

Whereas, a prolific speaker, critical thinker, and fierce advocate for educational access, Dr. Artis has been recognized for her work locally and nationally and is frequently engaged as a mentor and lecturer; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the passion and commitment that Dr. Roslyn Artis has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor and recognize Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President of Benedict College, for her significant contributions as the first female president of two collegiate institutions in the United States.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.