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“IN HONOR OF THE RETIREMENT OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. JAY GOGUE” mentioning the Department of Interior was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E597 on May 3, 2017.
The Department oversees more than 500 million acres of land. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the department has contributed to a growing water crisis and holds many lands which could be better managed.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF THE RETIREMENT OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. JAY GOGUE
______
HON. MIKE ROGERS
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention to recognize the retirement of Auburn University's 18th President, Dr. Jay Gogue.
Jay was raised in Waycross, Georgia, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in horticulture from Auburn University before earning a doctorate in that field from Michigan State University.
In July 2007, Dr. Gogue returned to Auburn University to serve as the 18th president and has worked tirelessly to improve the academic strength of Auburn's student body.
Under his leadership, Auburn is implementing a strategic plan focused on enhancing student success, supporting faculty excellence, strengthening public engagement and promoting research, scholarship and creative work.
During his time as president, he has stayed connected with the students in the classroom and even teaches a graduate course in higher education administration where students learn university governance, leadership, budgeting and more. He enthusiastically worked in partnership with local and state officials to recruit new industry to the state of Alabama, creating jobs and economic opportunity.
In 2013, Dr. Gogue was selected for the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor, a group of 100 Alabamians ``chosen for accomplishment or service greatly benefiting or reflecting great credit on the State.'' He also held a 2012 appointment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's academic advisory council.
Other memberships include Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies, Sigma Xi scientific research society and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade, the honorary military society for all branches of service.
Dr. Gogue began his career at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where he worked for 12 years. Prior to returning to Auburn, he held a number of academic and administrative positions, starting at Texas A&M University as an assistant professor teaching and conducting research in plant science. Dr. Gogue later served as vice president for research and vice president/vice provost for agriculture and natural resources at Clemson University and as provost at Utah State University. He was selected as president of New Mexico State University in 2000. In 2003, he was named president of the University of Houston and chancellor of the University of Houston System.
Jay and his wife, Susie, met in the 8th grade and married while they were both undergraduates at Auburn. They have three children, one grandchild and two dogs. They are remaining in the Auburn community and he will continue teaching a course in higher education leadership.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing my friends, Jay and Susie, best wishes on retirement. I thank him for his hard work and commitment to Auburn University.
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