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Rep. Frederica Wilson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Henry Lewis Ill. After conducting a year-long, nation-wide search, The Florida Memorial University Board of Trustees chose Dr. Lewis to serve as the university's 12th president in 2011. I congratulate him on thirty-five plus years of leadership and service to the Florida community.

Dr. Lewis is recognized for his passion through his motto of transforming educational outlets from Good to Great. This educational passion pushed him to increase FAMU College of Pharmacy's endowment from $1 million to more than $22 million. Dr. Lewis is responsible for educating and training 25 percent of the nation's African-American pharmacists. In addition to his legacy as an educator, he raised over $95 million in biomedical research training grants.

Dr. Lewis has also transitioned his exceptional leadership skills in the community serving as the first African-American elected to the Leon County Board of County Commissioners in Tallahassee, Florida. While a Commissioner, he established the county's Minority Business Enterprise program, developed the branch health clinic network, successfully advocated legislative funding for a $2.5 million clinic building and strategically placed a $20 million public library downtown adjacent to the C.K. Steele bus terminal, making it reachable to all Tallahassee citizens.

Dr. Lewis is frequently lauded as a leader amongst leaders. He has been the recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award, Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award, Outstanding Tallahassean Award and Pharmacist of the Year. Colleagues, please join me in saluting Dr. Henry Lewis III, whose future educational investments will continue to create the nation's future global leaders.