2017 -- H 5527

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LC001630

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING DR. FRANK D. SÁNCHEZ ON HIS INAUGURATION AS THE 10TH

PRESIDENT OF RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE

     Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, Shekarchi, Donovan, O'Brien, and Bennett

     Date Introduced: February 15, 2017

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, To the very good fortune of students, staff, and administrators, Dr. Frank D.

Sánchez became the tenth President of Rhode Island College, our state's first public college, in

July of 2016. The 17th of February marks his official inauguration with an Installation Ceremony

held at Roberts Hall on the College's campus; and

     WHEREAS, A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Frank Sánchez, is one of four children

born to a Mexican immigrant and a high-school dropout; but his parents knew the value of

education. His mother later earned her associate's degree and his father went on to earn a Master's

degree in education; and

     WHEREAS, From these humble and inspiring beginnings, Dr. Sánchez earned his

Bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Communications and Ethnic Studies from the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He attained his Master's degree in Student Affairs and Higher

Education from Colorado State University, and was granted his Ph.D. in Higher Education

Administration with a concentration in Learning, Cognition and Instruction from Indiana

University-Bloomington; and

     WHEREAS, During his more than twenty years in education, Dr. Sánchez earned the

respect of his colleagues in the higher education community. He has been honored with myriad

awards including being named Pillar of the Profession in 2017, receiving the Public Service

Award from Transitional Services for New York, Inc., in 2016, being named Educator of the

Year by the Selective Corporate Internship Program, and receiving the ADA25 Champion Award

from Laguardia Community College in 2015, to name just a few; and

     WHEREAS, On May 11, 2016, after a five-month search process, The Council on

Postsecondary Education unanimously named Frank Sánchez, Ph.D., as the 10th President of

Rhode Island College. He had previously served as Vice Chancellor for student affairs at the City

University of New York; and

     WHEREAS, The Council's decision was based on Dr. Sánchez's overall commitment to

students, and specifically, they "were impressed with his track record in implementing effective

student success and enrollment management initiatives as well as his history of leadership in

supporting innovative teaching and learning efforts while expanding financial resources for

students"; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Sánchez currently oversees the annual operating budget of more than

$190 million at the 162 year old institution, as well as the 12,000 students on campus and across

the state; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby congratulates Dr. Frank D. Sánchez on being inaugurated as the

10th President of Rhode Island College. He is a paradigm of the very best leadership qualities and

we wish him continued success, fulfillment, and good health; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Dr. Frank D. Sánchez, President of Rhode

Island College.

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