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HJ 653

Commending Tiffany McKillip Franks, Ed.D.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Danny Marshall and 2 co-sponsors

Ceremonial Virginia resolution commends Dr. Tiffany McKillip Franks for retiring as Averett University president, recognizing her leadership, fundraising, and program growth.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ653ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 653

Summary of House Joint Resolution 653 (HJ653ER)

Purpose

HJ653 is a ceremonial, non-substantive resolution recognizing and commending Tiffany McKillip Franks, Ed.D., on the occasion of her retirement as president of Averett University. The measure expresses the General Assembly’s admiration for her contributions to higher education in the Commonwealth and directs the Clerk of the House to present a copy of the resolution to her.

Key Provisions

  • Declares admiration and commendation for Tiffany McKillip Franks, Ed.D., upon her retirement from Averett University.
  • Recites her education, career background, and accomplishments as president of Averett University.
  • Requires the Clerk of the House to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Dr. Franks as a gesture of statewide recognition.
  • Both chambers (House of Delegates and Senate) approve the resolution; the text is enrolled and formalized as HJ653ER.

Biographical Highlights Included in the Resolution

  • Education:
    • Bachelor's degree in Business from Ohio Dominican University
    • Master’s degree in Education from The Ohio State University
    • Doctor of Education in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania
  • Career before Averett:
    • Executive roles in admissions, financial aid, student life, marketing and communications, public relations, and fundraising
    • Executive Vice President at Greensboro College
  • Tenure at Averett University:
    • Became president on July 1, 2008; first woman to lead Averett since its founding in 1859
    • Under her leadership: record-high undergraduate enrollment; first comprehensive capital campaign; Riverview Campus opened in Danville
    • Expansion of degree programs and campus activities
    • Fundraising: nearly $40 million raised for health sciences expansion and facility upgrades
    • New academic programs: nursing, criminal justice, applied data analytics, education
    • Athletics and student life: added lacrosse (men’s and women’s), wrestling, esports
    • Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness to connect students with community partners in the Dan River region

Who is Affected

  • Tiffany McKillip Franks, Ed.D. (the honoree)
  • Averett University and its stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, alumni)
  • The Commonwealth of Virginia, insofar as the General Assembly publicly recognizing leadership in higher education

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • House action: Engrossed February 17, 2025; Agreed to by the House by voice vote
  • Senate action: Agreed to by the Senate by voice vote on February 19, 2025
  • Enrolled: March 24, 2025 (HJ653ER)

Overall Impact

HJ653 serves as formal, symbolic recognition of Dr. Franks’s leadership and accomplishments in higher education at Averett University and her broader impact on the Commonwealth’s educational community. It does not authorize funding, create new policy, or impose regulatory changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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