RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2007
CONTACT: Public Affairs
Dallas Herring praised in the General Assembly
RALEIGH - The North Carolina General Assembly paid special tribute to the “Father of Community Colleges” today with the passage of a Joint Resolution honoring Dr. William Dallas Herring.
The House Joint Resolution began in the House. Rep. Russell Tucker (D-Duplin) shared his memories of Herring and pointed out that Herring, in addition to his role in the creation of the Community College System, also served as the Chair of the State Board of Education during the tumultuous time of desegregation.
“He was the right man for the job,” said Tucker. “He was a man of education and everyone in this chamber has benefited from the contributions of Dallas Herring.”
The
House passed the Resolution unanimously, with Herring’s two brothers
and their wives observing from the House Gallery.
Once in the Senate, the praise for Herring centered around his community college connection.
Sen. Charles Albertson (D-Duplin) called Herring, “One of the greatest men I’ve ever known. He wasn’t focused on himself, but on his fellow man.”
Clayton Herring and wife, Nettie, Bob Herring and
wife, Ann.
Albertson said Herring was one of the wealthiest people he has ever known, but it wasn’t his bank account that made him wealthy, it was his desire and ability to help everyone.
Sen. A.B. Swindell (D-Duplin) also knew and greatly respected Herring. He talked about how Herring and Swindell’s father, Russell, worked closely together on the Industrial Education Centers that later became community colleges.
“He was a man of great vision and his idea of community colleges is now a system that is one of the best in the country,” said Swindell. “He loved three things beyond everything else, Davidson College, the Presbyterian Church and Education.”
Swindell said he had the opportunity to talk with Herring shortly before his death in January and asked him what would be the next creation to benefit the state. He said Herring said he was “encouraged” by what the state ports have to offer.
The Senate also passed the Resolution by a unanimous vote and gave the Herring family a standing ovation.
The North Carolina Community College System enrolls more than 800,000 students in 58 comprehensive community colleges. Internationally recognized for the scope and quality of its programs, the System is North Carolina's primary provider of workforce preparation and adult education. For details, visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu .
Photo: L to R - Clayton Herring and wife, Nettie, Bob Herring and wife, Ann observe the vote in the House.
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