HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 29
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Thompson, and Delegates Campbell, Canterbury,
Long,
M. Poling, Evans and Border)
Recognizing President Olen E. Jones, Jr., Ph.D., for his dedication to
education, medicine and science and his continuing service to West
Virginia in each of these fields.
Whereas, President Olen E. Jones, Jr., earned his Ph.D. in Education
Administration from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and
earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Marshall University; and
Whereas, Olen E. Jones, Jr., is the President of the West Virginia
School of Osteopathic Medicine, which has been named one of
U.S. News and
World Report magazine's top medical schools for nine consecutive years,
including "Top 10" designation in Rural Medicine four of the last five
years; and
Whereas, President Jones has supported the West Virginia School of
Osteopathic Medicine's mission of training students for careers as rural,
primary care physicians; and
Whereas, During President Jones's tenure, the West Virginia School of
Osteopathic Medicine has received many other awards and recognitions,
including the Governor's Rural Health Award, the Business Spotlight of the
Year Award, and designation as a program of excellence; and
Whereas, Sixteen campus construction and renovation projects have been
completed at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine during
President Jones's tenure. The institution has grown from one main
building when he first assumed the presidency, to the current twelve
facilities spread over forty-four acres and several adjoining properties;
and
Whereas, With President Jones's guidance, the West Virginia School of
Osteopathic Medicine has developed into a major economic development
center for southeastern West Virginia, creating large numbers of jobs for
the area, stimulating major economic growth in the region and hiring in-
state contractors and vendors; and
Whereas, President Jones has led the charge to construct the Robert
C. Byrd Clinic, and the recent Geriatrics Center at the clinic, helping
meet the health care needs of the Greenbrier Valley and the area's elderly
population; and
Whereas, President Jones assisted in establishing the School of
Medicine and the College of Science, as well as automating the library,
at Marshall University when he served there as Provost and Executive Vice
President; and
Whereas, President Jones has served as the Chairman of the American
Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Board of Governors, and
as Director of Test Administration for the American College Testing (ACT)
Program; and
Whereas, Among his honors and awards, President Jones has received the
"Dale Dodson Award" for Leadership in Osteopathic Medical Education; the
"Business Leader of the Year" designation by the Greater Greenbrier
Chamber of Commerce; as well as the "Top 50 Most Powerful People in West
Virginia" designation by
West Virginia Executive magazine; therefore be
it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That President Olen E. Jones, Jr., Ph.D, Be recognized for his
continued service to the health of West Virginians, his help in creating jobs for the area, and the compassion he shows for the well being of the
citizens of the state and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare
a certified copy of this resolution for President Olen E. Jones, Jr.,
Ph.D.