WHEREAS, Karen W. Morse became Western Washington University's chief executive in August 1993; and
     WHEREAS, Under her vision, President Morse led Western Washington University to become a premier undergraduate institution in the Northwest and in the top echelon of undergraduate schools in the nation; and
     WHEREAS, As a result of President Morse's exceptional leadership, enrollment at Western has grown from 9,300 to 12,100 full-time equivalent students and the number of tenured and tenure-track faculty has increased from 456 to 627; and
     WHEREAS, As a result of President Morse's guidance and commitment, academic excellence continues on a steady upward trajectory through investments in the academic mission; and
     WHEREAS, This academic excellence is exemplified through the awards and honors Western Washington University and its faculty, staff, and students have received throughout President Morse's tenure; and
     WHEREAS, For the 11th year in a row, Western has been ranked second among top public master's-granting universities in the West, and ranked by Kiplinger's magazine, 38th among the top 100 public colleges and universities in the nation; and
     WHEREAS, President Morse's commitment to diversity has ushered in the most diverse campus in Western's history; and
     WHEREAS, President Morse initiated the "Western Experience," an interwoven mix of academic excellence, active learning, personal attention to students, a unique resident experience, respect for diversity, and beautiful campus surroundings; and
     WHEREAS, President Morse's emphasis in community service and outreach has resulted in Western ranking fourth among the top medium-sized colleges and universities with alumni serving in the Peace Corps volunteers in 2006; and
     WHEREAS, President Morse is helping Western prepare for a future campus expansion and enhanced connection to the community by setting the course for a waterfront campus; and
     WHEREAS, President Morse has received the Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Award, one of the American Chemical Society's highest honors; and
     WHEREAS, Under President Morse's leadership, Western has seen its endowment grow from 3.6 million dollars to 29.3 million dollars;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the leadership of Karen W. Morse during 15 years at Western Washington University, as WWU has evolved to become one of the top liberal arts universities in the region and the nation; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the outstanding contributions by Karen W. Morse and her service to higher education and to the citizens of Washington State; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to President Karen W. Morse and to the members of the Western Washington University Board of Trustees.