PRINTER'S NO. 2155
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
466
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY THOMAS, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Establishing the 21st Century Cheyney University State
Commission to study the academic and financial needs of
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and make recommendations
to ensure its viability in the future.
WHEREAS, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was founded in
1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist, set
aside $10,000, approximately one-tenth of his estate, to design
and establish the Institute for Colored Youth, in order to
educate descendants of the African race; and
WHEREAS, The Institute for Colored Youth successfully
provided free classical education for qualified individuals; and
WHEREAS, In 1902, the school moved to George Cheyney's farm
located 25 miles outside Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The school was renamed several times over the years,
as Cheyney Training School for Teachers in 1914, Cheyney State
Teachers College in 1951 and the Cheyney State College in 1959,
before joining the State System of Higher Education in 1983 as
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania; and
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WHEREAS, Cheyney University is known as America's first
institution of higher learning for African-American students;
and
WHEREAS, Cheyney University has more than 30,000 graduates,
including alumni such as Ed Bradley of "60 Minutes," Robert W.
Bogle, the publisher and CEO of the Philadelphia Tribune, which
is the oldest newspaper continuously owned and operated by an
African American, Michael Coard, a nationally respected attorney
and journalist, and Pedro Rivera, Secretary of Education of the
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Cheyney University's mission is to prepare
confident, competent, reflective and visionary leaders and
responsible citizens; and
WHEREAS, Cheyney University has a tradition of academic
excellence while maintaining its historical commitment to
opportunity and access for students of diverse backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Cheyney University is facing academic and financial
challenges that may render its future uncertain as an
institution of higher education; and
WHEREAS, Many of the academic and financial challenges faced
by the university stem from inadequate funding, capital needs
and poor recruitment; therefore be it
RESOLVED (the Senate concurring), That the 21st Century
Cheyney University State Commission be established to study the
academic and financial needs of Cheyney University of
Pennsylvania and make recommendations to ensure its viability in
the future; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the 21st Century Cheyney University State
Commission consist of 21 members who shall be appointed as
follows within 25 days after the adoption of this resolution by
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both chambers:
(1) The chairperson and minority chairperson of the
Education Committee of the Senate and the chairperson and
minority chairperson of the Education Committee of the House
of Representatives or their designees.
(2) The Director of the Independent Fiscal Office or a
designee.
(3) The Executive Director of the Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee or a designee.
(4) The Chancellor of the State System of Higher
Education or a designee.
(5) The chairperson of the Board of Governors of the
State System of Higher Education or a designee.
(6) The Secretary of Education or a designee.
(7) The Secretary of the Budget or a designee.
(8) The President of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
or a designee.
(9) The chairperson of the Council of Trustees of
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania or a designee.
(10) Nine individuals appointed by the Governor who
represent the education, finance, business and workforce
communities;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the 21st Century Cheyney University State
Commission appoint a member to serve as the chairperson of the
commission; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the 21st Century Cheyney University State
Commission hold its first meeting within 45 days after the
adoption of this resolution by both chambers, regardless of the
status of the appointments under this resolution; and be it
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further
RESOLVED, That the 21st Century Cheyney University State
Commission hold meetings at the call of the chairperson; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the members of the 21st Century Cheyney
University State Commission not receive compensation for their
services but be reimbursed for all necessary travel and other
reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the
performance of their duties as members of the commission; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the General Assembly provide administrative
support, meeting space and any other assistance required by the
21st Century Cheyney University State Commission to carry out
its duties under this resolution; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the 21st Century Cheyney University State
Commission devise short-term and long-term plans to address the
academic and financial needs of Cheyney University of
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the 21st Century Cheyney University State
Commission issue a report containing its findings and
recommendations to the General Assembly no later than six months
after the adoption of this resolution by both chambers.
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