HR168: HR168 Thomas, Dr. David A.; retirement from Morehouse College; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes Dr. David A. Thomas for his tenure as the 12th president of Morehouse College, a role he took on in 2018. The resolution highlights his leadership in moving the college away from budget deficits, funding campus projects, upgrading technology, and raising employee pay. It also credits him with raising more than $240 million in donations, the highest total of any Morehouse president in the college's 157 year history, and with launching the college's first online degree programs. The resolution formally commends him for his service and wishes him well in retirement, and directs the Clerk of the House to send him a copy of the resolution.

• Formally commends Dr. David A. Thomas for his service as the 12th president of Morehouse College.
• Congratulates him on his retirement and expresses wishes for his continued health and happiness.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Dr. Thomas.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change since it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a bill.

This resolution specifically names and honors Dr. David A. Thomas. It also references Morehouse College, its students, faculty, and staff, and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who is tasked with distributing a copy of the resolution.

The resolution has no legal or regulatory effect on Georgians generally. Its practical impact is limited to a formal, public statement from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Dr. Thomas's leadership at Morehouse College and directing a ceremonial copy be sent to him.

• The whereas clauses describe Dr. Thomas's tenure since 2018, including resolving structural budget deficits and funding campus projects.
• The whereas clauses cite over $240 million raised during his tenure, described as the highest fundraising total of any Morehouse president in the college's history.
• The whereas clauses note the launch of Morehouse's first online degree programs and initiatives like the Center for Black Entrepreneurship and the Black Men's Research Institute.
• The resolved clause formally commends Thomas and congratulates him on his retirement.
• The final resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to Dr. Thomas.

1. 2025-02-04House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-04House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-04House Hopper (House)

• El-Mahdi Holly (D, HD-116)Primary sponsor
• Bryce Berry (D, HD-056)
• Eric Bell (D, HD-075)

• Morehouse College
• higher education leadership
• ceremonial resolution
• Georgia House of Representatives