Recognizing Dr. Gregory Williams

Floor Speech

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Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated leader in the Permian Basin, Odessa College president Dr. Gregory Williams.

Dr. Williams began his educational career in 1983 as a student at Odessa College, later attending the University of Texas Permian Basin, then earning his doctorate in higher education from Baylor University. In 2007, Dr. Williams returned to the Permian Basin to serve as president of Odessa College.

His impressive career has garnered local, State, and national attention. As both the chairman of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and as a member of the board of directors and the executive board of the American Association of Community Colleges, he continuously dedicates his time for the advocacy of community colleges and underrepresented communities.

Thanks to Dr. Williams' stewardship, Odessa College has become one of the most impactful educational institutions in the Nation. Not only did his leadership earn Odessa College national recognition as a top-ranked community college, but his tenure as president saw enrollment increase by 35 percent and the number of degrees awarded by an incredible 197 percent.

I thank my colleague from Illinois for also representing the achievements of Dr. Williams. He is a fierce advocate of community colleges. I speak for the entire community in sincerely thanking Dr. Williams for his commitment to the Permian Basin and to higher education.

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