SR 6 (LSB 2276XS (3) 90)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 6

BY  SHIPLEY

A Resolution honoring and congratulating John D. Lawrence for his dedicated service to Iowa State University of Science and Technology, the State of Iowa, and all Iowans.

   WHEREAS, John D. Lawrence was raised on a crop and livestock farm in southwest Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, John graduated from Iowa State University of Science and Technology (Iowa State University), earning his bachelor’s degree in animal science and his master’s degree in economics; and
   WHEREAS, John served as a professor of economics and has served Iowa State University and the people of Iowa in leading roles since 1991, including Interim Chair of the Department of Animal Science, Associate Dean of Extension and Outreach in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension, Assistant Director of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Director of the Iowa Beef Center, Interim Director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, Interim Director of the Beginning Farmer Center, and Interim Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center; and
   WHEREAS, John, as Iowa State University’s Vice President for Extension and Outreach, has led approximately 900 extension faculty and staff in engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address real-life challenges and prepare for a thriving future; and
   WHEREAS, John has ensured that extension educational programs in agriculture and natural resources grow the economic base of Iowa agriculture, that community and economic development programs empower communities to shape their own futures, that 4-H youth development programs empower Iowa youth to reach their full potential, and that human sciences programs empower Iowans to live their best lives every day; and
   WHEREAS, John has developed relationships with partnering organizations throughout the state and extension councils in every county who support what Iowans value – a strong Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, John has served as an example to, and guided the development of, the next generation of extension professionals – ensuring that extension and outreach programs will continue to deliver on Iowa State University’s land-grant mission and engage Iowans with the research, educational, and technological resources of the university in partnership with federal, state, and county governments; and
   WHEREAS, John represented the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as a co-leader with Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Department of Natural Resources in developing and implementing Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, a science and technology-based approach to assess and reduce nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico; and
   WHEREAS, John has received many awards throughout his career, including the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Leader Award in 2017 for his work as part of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Science Team, the 2009 Iowa State University Extension Meritorious Service Award, and the 2004 Dean’s Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as being named by Iowa Farmer Today as one of the 25 most influential people in Iowa agriculture from 1984-2009, and receiving the 2022 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame award; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That John D. Lawrence be publicly recognized for his years of dedicated service to Iowa State University, the state of Iowa, and all Iowans; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a formal copy of this resolution be presented to John D. Lawrence, with the sincere appreciation and best wishes of the Senate.