WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 358

CONGRATS-ROBERT JONES, PH.D.

104th Regular Session Introduced by Paul Faraci

A ceremonial Senate resolution honors Alvin J. Copeland and Robert Jones, Ph.D. for lifelong service; no legal or fiscal impact.

Resolution Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 358

Summary — Senate Resolution 358 (SR 358)

Status: Referred to Assignments (filed 2025-10-14)
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Classification: Resolution (honorific)

Note up front: the version text provided contains two distinct honorific resolutions merged into one file — (A) a Georgia Senate-style resolution recognizing Alvin J. Copeland, and (B) an Illinois Senate-style resolution congratulating Robert Jones, Ph.D., on concluding his tenure as Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign. The core operative language in both parts is purely ceremonial.

Purpose and intent

  • To formally recognize and commend two individuals for their careers and public contributions:
    • Alvin J. Copeland — long‑time educator, coach, and mentor with decades of service in Georgia high school athletics and education.
    • Robert Jones, Ph.D. — for concluding his tenure as Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign (UIUC) and as a University of Illinois System vice president after nine years of leadership.

Key provisions / language

  • Expresses official congratulations and commendation for each individual’s career accomplishments and service.
  • Recites detailed career highlights and honors:
    • Alvin J. Copeland: 47 years in education and athletics; service at Hubbard High School (1964–1967) and Northeast High School (1970–2000; retired 2011); multiple state and regional championships across girls basketball and track, and numerous hall of fame inductions (years and organizations listed).
    • Robert Jones, Ph.D.: academic degrees (B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in agronomy/crop physiology); faculty and administrative career including University of Minnesota and presidency at University at Albany; first African American chancellor of UIUC (2016–2025); accomplishments such as 26% enrollment growth, launching Illinois Commitment (tuition assistance for Illinois families under $75,000), establishing Carle Illinois College of Medicine, creating the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science and Siebel Center for Design, COVID‑19 testing initiatives, and leadership roles in national higher‑education associations.
  • Directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to the honorees (i.e., authorization for the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy).

Who is affected

  • No private rights, regulatory changes, or appropriations. The direct “recipients” are Alvin J. Copeland and Robert Jones, Ph.D. The resolutions affect institutional recognition (University of Illinois UIUC and Georgia education communities) only in a ceremonial sense.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Documented actions include readings and adoption in early April 2025, enrollment reporting on April 3, 2025, and later filing and referral to Assignments on October 14, 2025 (the record contains multiple dates; consult the official legislative clerk for the authoritative procedural history).
  • Because this is a resolution of commendation, no further legislative action is required to give effect to the honors beyond adoption and presentation.

Fiscal and legal impact

  • None. These are nonbinding, honorific resolutions with no legal or fiscal effect.

Additional note / recommendation

  • The combined text appears to conflate two separate state resolutions (Georgia and Illinois). Verify the official bill text and state chamber record to confirm which resolution SR 358 is intended to represent in the relevant legislative body and to resolve the merged-document discrepancy.

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

Sign in to ask a question.