2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 754

Commending Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 18, 2025

Agreed to by the Senate, February 20, 2025

WHEREAS, Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman has served Eastern Mennonite University as its ninth president and first woman president since January 1, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Susan Huxman began her teaching career at Wake Forest University, having earned a bachelor's degree from Bethel College and master's and doctoral degrees in communication from the University of Kansas; and

WHEREAS, Susan Huxman has served for more than 35 years in higher education in a variety of academic and leadership roles, including as president of Conrad Grebel University College from 2011 to 2016 and as director of the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University from 2004 to 2011; and

WHEREAS, Susan Huxman inspired the students, faculty, and administration of Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) through the “Pathways of Promise” strategic plan, a revised vision statement and refresh of institutional values, and the “Lead Together” brand campaign; and

WHEREAS, under Susan Huxman's leadership, EMU's vision and values were incorporated into the revised core curriculum and graduate curricula; themes based on university values were created and are being further integrated into the curriculum and programming; and

WHEREAS, during Susan Huxman's tenure as president, EMU has earned recognition as a top producer of academic scholars including Rhodes and Fulbright awardees; the institution added its first doctoral degrees in nursing and ministry, as well as various academic and professional programs such as public health, business analytics, aviation, transformational leadership, faith-based peacebuilding, and global studies; and

WHEREAS, Susan Huxman oversaw the launch of EMU's “Belonging and Becoming Together” faculty mentoring and orientation program for new faculty, the establishment of the Hertzler-Koshy Faculty Fellowship grants, and the creation of “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid,” a short-form documentary focusing on EMU and its approach to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as a university committed to fostering peace and justice, which aired on public television stations nationwide; and

WHEREAS, Susan Huxman led new capital improvements to EMU buildings, including new engineering labs in the Suter Science Center and renovations of the University Commons building, including enhancements to the Common Grounds Coffeehouse, Student Union, President's Reception Room, and Admissions Office; and

WHEREAS, Susan Huxman led the university in setting a fundraising record of $9.2 million during EMU's 100th anniversary year and steered EMU through the second year of a five-year, $40 million comprehensive campaign for people, programs, and facilities, Forward Together: Preparing Tomorrow's Unifying Leaders 2023–2028, which raised more than $20 million in gifts and commitments by year two; and

WHEREAS, Susan Huxman has contributed her time and expertise to numerous professional and community organizations, including Mennonite Education Agency, the Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Higher Education Association, Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges, Marpeck Deans Conference, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Susan Huxman's husband, Jesse, a communications professional, has also been engaged with Eastern Mennonite University by providing hospitality and support to the campus and community at large; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman on the occasion of her retirement as president of Eastern Mennonite University; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her legacy of achievements in service to the Eastern Mennonite University community and the Commonwealth.