The Mississippi Association of Partners in Education honored Hank M. Bounds, commissioner of higher education, with the 2014 Winter-Reed Partnership Award. Former Gov. William Winter presented the award during a recent dinner in Jackson.
Mississippi Public Broadcasting will air highlights of the Winter-Reed Partnership Award Dinner honoring Hank M. Bounds, commissioner of higher education, on Friday [Nov. 7] at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday [Nov. 9] at 1 p.m. on its television stations throughout the state. A listing of the stations is posted on the MPB website at www.mpbonline.org/programs/tv.
The 2014 Winter-Reed Partnership Award dinner was held by the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education last month in Jackson. Launched by MAPE in 2007, the award is named for Gov. William Winter and Tupelo businessman Jack Reed Sr. in honor of their lifelong contributions to public education and is presented each year to provide ongoing recognition for Mississippiâs outstanding education leaders.
The award presentation was made by Winter and MAPE President Suzanne Bean. In addition, master of ceremonies Blake Wilson, president and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council, presided over a program that included Pascagoula Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and members of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions, including Robin Robinson of Laurel, C.D. Smith of Meridian, Aubrey Patterson of Tupelo and Ed Blakeslee of Gulfport.
A lifelong educator, Bounds has served as commissioner since 2009. In this role, he provides leadership for the stateâs university system, which includes four research institutions, four regional institutions, one academic health science center and the executive office. During his tenure, both the number of students enrolled and the number of degrees awarded have increased significantly. His progressive direction has enabled students to enter college prepared, both academically and financially, and helped them to reach the goal of earning a diploma.
Bounds and his wife, Susie, have a son, Will, and a daughter, Caroline. They reside in Madison.