Resolution of Recognition – Dr. Linda Ray Pratt

Pictured: Regent McClurg, Linda Pratt, President Milliken and Regent Whitehouse

WHEREAS, Dr. Linda Ray Pratt has served as Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of Nebraska since 2006; and

WHEREAS, she has had a distinguished academic career, including service as Professor and Chair of the English Department and interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, through her focus on high quality academic programs, her commitment to collaboration and her keen eye for talent she has built a valued and respected Office of the Provost; and

WHEREAS, as Provost Dr. Pratt has provided valued leadership for a broad range of academic endeavors including the Graduate College, the Nebraska Research Initiative, the Nebraska P-16 Initiative, Online Worldwide, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, University-wide Programs of Excellence, EPSCOR and the Midwest Higher Education Compact; and

WHEREAS, she has provided guidance and support to international engagement activities in nations of strategic importance to the University; and

WHEREAS, she has been recognized and honored by her colleagues as President of the American Association of University Professors, President of the Association of Departments of English, and as the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award and the James A. Lake Academic Freedom Award; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pratt has been a trusted advisor to the President and Board, a successful advocate with donors, and a formidable political opponent for certain of her colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pratt will retire as Provost and return to teaching effective June 30, 2012,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska extends its thanks and congratulations to Dr. Linda Pratt for her leadership, vision, service and passion for the academic community; and that the Board extends its best wishes to Dr. Pratt as she returns to the classroom and continues to “light tomorrow with today.”

Accepted by acclamation June 8, 2012
Presented by Regent Bob Whitehouse