HR0470 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0470 LRB098 12509 GRL 46926 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Dr. Sandra Westbrooks on the occasion of her retirement as Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs of Chicago State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sandra Westbrooks earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University and her doctorate in reading and language arts from Indiana State University; and

WHEREAS, With more than 25 years administrative experience in higher education, including 20 years tenure at Chicago State University, Dr. Sandra Westbrooks oversees approximately 320 faculty and academic programs for more than 6,000 students enrolled in 61 undergraduate and graduate programs at CSU; as part of her position, she serves as the academic and administrative leader for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Continuing Education, as well as the Honors College, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and the University Library; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sandra Westbrooks is charged with the general supervision of the Division of Academic Affairs and the development and implementation of all academic policies at CSU; in this capacity, she ensures the quality of programs of instruction and research, the review and approval of all academic programs, student learning in undergraduate and graduate education, the appointment, promotion, and compensation of all faculty, and the development and implementation of all academic policies; her focus is to implement programs and provide resources that advance the faculty's professional development with the goal of providing an improved learning experience for students; and

WHEREAS, Prior to becoming Provost in 2008, Dr. Sandra Westbrooks served in the roles of Dean and Assistant Dean of the College of Education at Chicago State University for 10 years; she also served as Assistant Provost and Dean of Student Development at Chicago State University, as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the Illinois Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities System, as Board of Governors Administrative Fellow, Assistant to the Provost at Governors State University, and as a member of the faculty in the Department of Elementary Education and Student Teaching at Eastern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sandra Westbrooks has been involved in key leadership roles of various educational institutions; she has been Chairperson for the Illinois Association of Deans of Public Colleges of Education, the Council of Chicago Area Deans of Education, the Fresh Start Governing Board for Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Teachers Union; she has also served terms as President and Vice President for the Alumni Association of Eastern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sandra Westbrooks has a passion for reading and language arts; in addition to grant writing activities, she has obtained official posts on numerous State, professional, and community boards; she has also earned both professorial rank and tenure at Eastern Illinois University and Chicago State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Sandra Westbrooks serves as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dr. Sandra Westbrooks on the occasion of her retirement and wish her continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Sandra Westbrooks as a symbol of our esteem and respect.