A Resolution congratulating and commending Dr. Eugene M. Hughes.
WHEREAS, Dr. Eugene M. Hughes will retire as President of Wichita State University
(WSU), the Regents only metropolitan university; and
WHEREAS, In his five years as President, he has demonstrated dedication and uncom-
mon commitment to Wichita State, its students, its faculty, its alumni and its many com-
munity constituents. He has:
Revitalized the image of the university by coining the term ``metropolitan advantage''
and consequently taking advantage of the University's academic and extracurricular
strengths;
created through programming and events like the Shocker Pride Picnic and the Univer-
sity/Community Open House, a campus family and community that feels good about WSU;
increased the number of new students at WSU for the fourth consecutive enrollment
period. Enrollment has increased in spring, summer and fall 1997, and spring 1998. The
1997 fall enrollment of 14,669 students is the highest at Wichita State since 1993;
added new facilities, including Elliott Hall, and the Metropolitan Complex; and
oversaw record years of giving to the university through the Endowment and Alumni
associations. The endowment has grown from $59 million in 1991 to nearly $94 million in
1997. The endowment value per student has increased from just over $5 thousand to almost
$10 thousand. Campaigns to raise funds and scholarships for the library, geology, chemistry,
entrepreneurship and women's studies are still active; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hughes earned his bachelor's degree from Chadron State College,
Chadron, Nebraska, his master's degree in mathematics from Kansas State University and
his doctorate from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Hughes
served as associate professor, professor and dean of administration at Chadron State Col-
lege; dean of the College of Arts and Science and provost, University Arts and Science;
academic vice president and president of Northern Arizona University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hughes and his wife, Margaret Ann, have a combined family of six
children and eight grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hughes is highly deserving of recognition for his many accomplish-
ments in education and for his five years of service to Wichita State University, the city of
Wichita, Sedgwick County and the state of Kansas: Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That we congratulate and commend
Dr. Eugene M. Hughes upon his retiring as President of Wichita State University; and
Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate be directed to provide 10
enrolled copies of this resolution to Senator Feleciano.
Senate Resolution No. 1858 was sponsored by Senators Feleciano, Donovan, Downey,
Gooch, Harrington, Lawrence and Ranson.
I hereby certify that the above Resolution originated in the Senate, and was adopted
by that body