Date: 2008-11-25
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas – J.L. Huffines has announced his resignation as a member of The Texas A&M University Board of Regents, effective Dec. 6, citing health reasons. Huffines, a well-known Dallas businessman and graduate of Texas A&M University (‘44), was appointed as a regent by Gov. Rick Perry on July 2, 2007, for a term scheduled to expire Feb. 1, 2013.
(Media-Newswire.com) - COLLEGE STATION, Texas – J.L. Huffines has announced his resignation as a member of The Texas A&M University Board of Regents, effective Dec. 6, citing health reasons.
Huffines, a well-known Dallas businessman and graduate of Texas A&M University (‘44), was appointed as a regent by Gov. Rick Perry on July 2, 2007, for a term scheduled to expire Feb. 1, 2013. The nine-member Board of Regents governs the A&M System, which consists of nine universities, seven state agencies and a health science center.
As a regent, Huffines served on the committees on finance, and buildings and physical plants. He was the board’s special liaison for the 12th Man Foundation, for which he once served as president.
“J.L. is a good friend and trusted advisor who shares my vision for a prosperous Texas,” Gov. Perry said. “His love for our state knows no bounds, and on behalf of all Texans and Aggies, I say thank you for your commitment and service.”
A native of Lewisville, Huffines served in the U.S. Army in both World War II and the Korean War, where he achieved the rank of first lieutenant. He received the Texas A&M University Distinguished Alumnus Award and was inducted into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor. He has served on the Chancellor’s 21st Century Council of Advisors and the Evans Library Capital Campaign at Texas A&M.
Chairman of the Huffines Auto Dealerships in the North Texas region, Huffines has a lengthy career in civic affairs and public leadership. A former board member of the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, he also is a trustee of the Medical School Foundation Board at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and a past chairman of the Texas State Senior Colleges Board of Regents.
He received the life member award from the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and has received the Jack Smith Leadership Award from General Motors, Inc., and the 50 Year Dealer Award, Mark of Excellence Award and Legion of Leaders Award from Chevrolet, Inc. He also has been honored by the Texas Automobile Dealers Association and has served as that group’s chairman.
“It’s impossible to say how much J.L. will be missed by all of us on the board, on both personal and professional levels,” said Bill Jones, chairman of the Board of Regents. “His service on the board has been invaluable. He has brought an acute understanding of business matters and historical insight into each board meeting since his appointment. I know this is a difficult decision for him and I join all of the other board members in wishing him and his family the absolute best.”
John White, vice chairman of the Board of Regents, described Huffines as “a close friend and role model.” In their work together on the board, White said, “J.L. has always looked after the interests of both the A&M System and the people of Texas in finding the best ways to build the future of higher education. I wish he could stay with us longer but I also know how much he’ll enjoy taking some well-earned time for himself and his family.”
Dr. Michael D. McKinney, chancellor of the A&M System, said Huffines was one of the most respected members of the board. “I have always looked to Mr. Huffines for advice and insights, and relied on his sharp eye for detail in going over the many and complex business dealings involving the system. He’s exactly the kind of person you want around to inspire and guide you in both good times and bad, and he’s been that way his entire life.” McKinney said. “Even though he’s leaving board service, I know we’ll be staying in touch with him and Sydney, and I will continue to seek his counsel.”
About the A&M System
The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $3.04 billion. Through a statewide network of nine universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates 109,000 students and makes more than 15 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research brings in almost $627 million every year and helps drive the state’s economy.