Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to one of my great friends, Dr. Glen Fenter, President of Mid-South Community College, and the vision behind the economic renaissance converging in Arkansas' Delta. Glen is a true leader, who has accomplished more over the past decade than most will accomplish in a lifetime.
As a graduate of Hendrix College with an Ed.D. from the University of Arkansas, Glen is committed to bringing educational opportunities to some of Arkansas' poorest counties. A former principal of West Memphis High School, Glen accepted the challenge in 1992 to establish a new community college in Crittenden County. After securing local funding, and working with architects and board members to develop a master plan for $40 million of renovations, construction, and equipment, Glen led MidSouth Community College toward accreditation in 1998.
Glen's vision has not only enhanced the quality of education in Arkansas' Delta, but made a considerable impact on the surrounding business community. Since Glen accepted the position of President at Mid-South Community College, automobile companies have begun to notice the great possibilities in the region. They watched Glen secure millions of dollars for workforce training programs at the college, and they are excited at the possibility of working with highly skilled graduates prepared for careers in the automobile industry.
Thanks to the tireless commitment of Glen and his staff at Mid-South Community College, the Arkansas Delta has transformed into a place full of economic opportunity. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in thanking Glen for his selfless work on behalf of all the residents in our community. We are fortunate to have such a strong leader, a true friend, and a great American working to improve the quality of life in Arkansas.
