Resolution Honoring Dr. Shirley A. Mullen, Ph.D, with the title, “President Emerita”

Whereas, Dr. Shirley A. Mullen, Houghton University Class of 1976, has since 2006 served the College with diligence and faithfulness as the fifth president in its history; and

Whereas, throughout her tenure, Dr. Mullen has sought to articulate and promote Houghton University’s distinctive brand of Wesleyan education that emphasizes both personal and social restoration to God’s originally intended purposes for individuals and the world; and has lead the College to  produce graduates inspired and equipped to “live in the ‘courageous middle’,” serving as  bridge-builders, translators, and hosts who can convene and sustain productive conversations and bring together the Truth and the Grace that came in Jesus Christ;

Whereas, Dr. Mullen has represented Houghton University with extraordinary diligence and excellence to innumerable academic and accreditation bodies, government officials and offices, the Wesleyan Church, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and other churches and parachurch organizations supporting the College and its mission; and has cultivated local and regional partnerships such as Leadership Allegany in cooperation with the County Chamber of Commerce, Allegany County United Way, and ENCORE, which provides programming for local senior citizens;

Whereas, under Dr. Mullen’s leadership, the College has recently successfully completed its $70 million IMPACT Campaign, including the raising of more than $41 million designated for student access and affordability; and has increased its efforts and commitment to learners of all ages through the expansion of the College’s online and non-residential urban centers in Buffalo and Utica; as well as creation of the Mosaic Center and the Kindschi Faith and Justice Symposium;

Whereas, Dr. Mullen was instrumental in initiating the move to NCAA Division III Athletics; and during her tenure, the College has seen the construction of the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex, Equestrian Event Center, the 11-Acre Solar Panel Array, and the Alumni House, as well as renovation of the Paine Center for Science and the Katherine W. Lindley Center for Law and Constitutional Studies;

Whereas, Dr. Mullen has expanded the College’s visibility through her service on national boards, and her writings and presentations in many Christian and professional academic organizations;

Whereas, Dr. Mullen has modeled Christian character, maturity and grace, and shines as an example to students, faculty and staff, trustees, alumni, and all who know her;

Whereas, Dr. Mullen will be retiring as president effective as of May 31, 2021, and is deserving of this honor for her extraordinary dedication to Houghton University and all its constituencies,

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of Houghton University, by the authority vested in it under the Charter of Houghton University, does hereby grant and bestow upon Dr. Shirley A. Mullen, Houghton University Class of 1976, the title of “President Emerita of Houghton University”, honoris causa.