WHEREAS, V. Lane Rawlins became Washington State University's ninth president in June 2000; and
     WHEREAS, V. Lane Rawlins assumed office as Washington State University's president on June 8, 2000, and was inaugurated March 28, 2001; and
     WHEREAS, President Rawlins is the first Washington State University president to have been a member of the university's faculty earlier in his career; and
     WHEREAS, As a result of President Rawlins guidance and strategic planning, student enrollment and admission standards are at an all-time high, with a substantial increase in the enrollment of high-ability students; and
     WHEREAS, Under President Rawlins' leadership, the university's campuses in Pullman, Vancouver, Spokane, and the Tri-Cities have developed into a system through which regional campuses have greater flexibility to meet the needs of their communities and Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, President Rawlins' commitment to superior education in a research environment has been critical in encouraging partnerships with the University of Washington and increasing Washington State University's research funding; and
     WHEREAS, University enrollment increased from 20,623 in the fall of 2000 to 22,615 in fall 2005 with expansion reflected on all four of the university's campuses in Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver; and
     WHEREAS, President Rawlins has received recognition for his research, leadership, and communication efforts as a member of the Governor's Global Competitiveness Council and the Technology Alliance Board of Directors; and
     WHEREAS, President Rawlins is currently chair of the Presidents' Council of the Pac-10 Conference and Pac-10 representative on the NCAA Board of Directors; and
     WHEREAS, After leading Washington State University's drive for educational and research excellence for more than six years, President Rawlins plans to retire from the post in June 2007; and
     WHEREAS, President Rawlins has led Washington State University in achieving enrollment growth, expanded research funding and facilities, and a national and international reputation for excellence;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the leadership of V. Lane Rawlins in promoting a "World Class Education, Face to Face" at Washington State University; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the outstanding statewide advances in higher education and student potential as a result of V. Lane Rawlins' term as president of Washington State University; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to V. Lane Rawlins, president of Washington State University and to the members of the Washington State University Board of Regents.