The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF DR. CYNTHIA WARRICK AS 7TH PRESIDENT OF
STILLMAN COLLEGE
______
HON. TERRI A. SEWELL
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the leadership of Dr. Cynthia Warrick, the 7th and first female President of Stillman College, who is retiring on June 30, 2023, after over five wonderful years of service to the college and the surrounding community.
Dr. Warrick obtained her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Howard University. She went on to earn a master's degree in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a doctorate in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University.
A pharmacist and health services researcher by trade, Dr. Warrick brought over 20 years of experience to her position as Stillman College President. She began her career in higher education at Howard University. From there, she accepted appointments at the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, Texas Southern University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and Elizabeth City State University. Prior to her tenure at Stillman College, Dr. Warrick's most recent positions include Interim President of Grambling State University and South Carolina State University and senior research and evaluation fellow at Thurgood Marshall College Fund in Washington. Dr. Warrick has been recognized nationally for her leadership and invaluable contributions to healthcare research.
Under the exceptional guidance of Dr. Warrick, Stillman College has made many advancements, expanding its educational programs to ensure that its students are competitive in the 21st-century workforce. Known as a collaborative leader, her focus on academic excellence, administrative accountability, and student success outcomes is evident in her success as president through the increased opportunities for prospective students, stabilization of institution finances, and enhanced donor partnerships. Along with financial and academic growth, Dr. Warrick prioritized historic preservation, working to strengthen Stillman's connection with the Presbyterian Church USA and the West End Tuscaloosa community.
Since her installation in 2017, Stillman College has seen its largest incoming class of freshmen since 2014, an increase in student enrollment, SACSCOC accreditation for another 10 years without any recommendations or further action, and the addition of multiple programs to diversify coursework in business, music, and film. Understanding the power of partnership, Dr. Warrick spearheaded the college's fight to address its debt. By rallying the presidents of over 40 institutions with HBCU capital finance loans, policymakers, and members of Congress, she pushed for the deferment of the loans and, through hard work and dedication, got the entire 40-million-dollar debt eliminated, making Stillman College debt-free.
Over the past five years, Stillman's grant funding and sponsored programs have increased tremendously to over 12.8 million dollars by leveraging the resources Stillman already had. As an avid supporter of HBCUs, Dr. Warrick saw the potential in Stillman despite the many challenges she faced during her tenure to meet the current and future needs of Stillman's student body. Dr. Warrick expanded the graduate school pathways through an existing partnership with the University of Alabama and established summer research opportunities within biomedical sciences with Drexel University, the Salk Institute, and LaJolla Research Institute in Immunology. Continuing to blaze trails and create new opportunities for her students, she secured a historic annual appropriation from the State of Alabama Education Trust Fund.
Under the strong helm of Dr. Warrick, Stillman College has strengthened its nurturing environment for students to thrive, providing them with the resources they need to stay successful and competitive in the 21st century. Taking her experience as a researcher into her position as president, Dr. Warrick's dynamic vision has set the foundation for a bright future for Stillman College, leaving a lasting impact on the administration, student body, and Tuscaloosa community for years to come. Although I know she will continue to serve the community of Stillman College, I sincerely hope that her retirement is filled with the joy of spending time with family and friends.
On a personal note, it has been an honor getting to know Dr. Warrick and to be her partner on the federal level in securing more funding and better opportunities in furtherance of the mission of Stillman College. Dr. Warrick has been a tireless advocate, fierce negotiator, and passionate champion for the students, faculty, and alumni of Stillman College. She has utilized her professional experience and extensive knowledge, leveraging her impressive network to steer this historic institution through perilous times and set it on a more solid financial footing extending its future viability. We wish her well in her retirement and thank her for her phenomenal leadership of Stillman College.
On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary leadership and service of Dr. Cynthia Warrick and her contributions as President of Stillman College.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 172(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 172(2)
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