Merchant Honored by Regents

Jimmy N. Merchant, former acting dean of the College of Education and Applied Science, was honored Friday by Sam Houston State University's board of regents with the title distinguished professor emeritus of education. The following resolution was adopted:

Jimmy Merchant

"Whereas, Dr. Merchant's dedicated career in education has included elementary and secondary teaching and serving as an elementary principal in the public schools of Texas (1956-1968), teaching at Texas A&M University-Commerce (1968-1969) and Sam Houston State University, since 1969, when he joined the faculty as Assistant Professor of Education; and "Whereas, his tenure at Sam Houston State has spanned more than three decades and the presidencies of Arleigh B. Templeton, Elliott T. Bowers, Martin J. Anisman, Bobby K. Marks, and James F. Gaertner; and

"Whereas, Dr. Jimmy N. Merchant, Professor of Education, is recognized nationally for his work on standards and assessments for educational leaders and is regarded by his colleagues as an exceptional professional, Dr. Merchant's leadership, service, and scholarship are evidenced by his major roles in the restructuring of education administration in Texas; and

"Whereas, his knowledge of educator preparation was recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the national accrediting body for exemplary educator preparation programs, where he served on the Board of Examiners; and

"Whereas, he participated in the early retirement program and, subsequently, retired from Sam Houston State University as a Professor of Education on May 31, 2003; and

"Whereas, Dr. Merchant has received the following honors for meritorious service to the profession: George and Gwyn Brownlee memorial Leadership Award, Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (2000); Excellence in Service Award, Sam Houston State University (1998); Ted Booker Memorial Award, Texas Teacher Educators (1994); Phi Delta Kappa Service Award (1991); Kyle Killough Award, Texas Cooperative Teacher Center Network (1990); Member of the Council of Professors of Instructional Supervision, Harvard University (1988); Leadership Award from the Faculty of the Division of Teacher Education (1987); "Trainer of Trainers" for the Texas Leadership in Education and Development (Texas LEAD Center) programs; Who's Who in American Education (1988, 1989); and Who's Who in Staff Development (1988); and

"Whereas, Dr. Merchant's research areas include standards, performance assessment, school improvement, learning communities, and site-based decision making; and he was the principal investigator or co-principal investigator of grants totaling almost two million dollars; and he has published extensively in the research and professional literature having co-edited two books, published seventeen articles in refereed journals or chapters in books, and published additional works in professional association newsletters and ERIC documents; and

"Whereas, among the broad array of his accomplishments are numerous legacies of the meaningful contributions demonstrated through significant service to the University as a faculty member while serving on major committees involving curriculum, tenure, faculty evaluation, faculty development, faculty research, administrator search committees, planning, self-studies and regional accreditation; and

"Whereas, he has served as the Chair of the Teacher Center Board, the Coordinator of Elementary Education; the Chair for the Division of Teacher Education, the Director of the Center for Research and Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership, and as Associate Dean, and, subsequently, as Acting Dean for the College of Education and Applied Science; and

"Whereas, continuing the institution's long and illustrious history in educator preparation in Texas, Jimmy N. Merchant has provided a model for professional success and has instilled inspiration and admiration by students as well as members of the faculty and staff of Sam Houston State University; and

"Whereas, throughout his years of service with Sam Houston State University as a man of integrity, warmth, and dedication, he has proven himself to be an invaluable mentor to colleagues in educator preparation as well as to his students; be it therefore

"Resolved, that all elements of Sam Houston State University and the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, proffer to Professor Jimmy N. Merchant their gratitude and esteem; and be it further

"Resolved, that Professor Jimmy N. Merchant be formally designated as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Education at Sam Houston State University and hold that title in perpetuity.

"Adopted by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, on August 22, 2003."

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Aug. 22, 2003
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