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TO CONGRATULATE DR. JOHN THOMAS "TOM" HELLAMS, VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION FOR ERSKINE COLLEGE, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO HONOR HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS AN EDUCATOR AND EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATOR, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, on June 30, 2022, after many years of committed service as an educator and educational administrator, Dr. John Thomas "Tom" Hellams will begin a well-deserved retirement from his present role as vice president for academic administration for Erskine College; and
Whereas, in preparation for his long and distinguished career, Dr. Hellams earned his associate degree at Anderson College and his bachelor's degree at Erskine, followed by a Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; and
Whereas, prior to taking up his duties at Erskine, of which he is a former trustee, he served at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as chief of staff (Office of the President) and later as vice president for denominational relations. Further, he served as a distinguished visiting professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and as visiting professor in the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Church Growth at Southern Seminary in Louisville; and
Whereas, in recognition of his fine record of service, in 2002 Dr. Hellams was named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the highest title of honor bestowed by the governor of Kentucky. In 2012, he received the Anderson University Alumni Achievement Award; and
Whereas, Dr. Hellams served on the Charter Institute of Erskine Board and served as interim President of Erskine College and chair of the Charter Institute Board for the past year; and
Whereas, Dr. Hellams finds strength for his labors in the firm support of his family: his lovely wife, Tena; their two grown children, daughter Katie Ellen and son John Thomas III; and four grandchildren, Claire Elizabeth, Hannah Leigh, Ellen Amelia, and Mason Thomas; and
Whereas, grateful for the legacy of committed excellence Dr. Hellams has bestowed on this great State during his time of service in South Carolina and appreciative of his lifetime of outstanding service, the General Assembly takes great pleasure in wishing him well as he enters retirement. The members trust he will find much enjoyment in the more relaxed pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate Dr. John Thomas "Tom" Hellams, vice president for academic administration for Erskine College, upon the occasion of his retirement, honor him for his many years of dedicated service as an educator and educational administrator, and wish him continued success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Tom Hellams.
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