The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO DR. MICHAEL CARTER” mentioning Mitch McConnell was published in the Senate section on page S88 on Jan. 21.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO DR. MICHAEL CARTER
Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, for more than two decades, my friend Dr. Michael Carter has made Campbellsville University an oasis where students can answer their calling. Nestled in the heart of Taylor County, CU offers quality Christian higher education to thousands of future leaders. As the school's president, Michael accomplished one remarkable goal after another. He also set the university on a path toward long-term success. At the end of last year, Michael began a richly-earned retirement leaving behind a grateful university community. I would like to take a moment today to recognize my friend for his servant leadership and his lasting impact in Kentucky and beyond.
According to CU's board chair, Michael's leadership ``forever transformed'' the century-old school. I couldn't agree more. When Michael came to campus in 1999, the university was home to around 1,600 students and 74 full-time faculty. His tenure has seen the CU family grow to include more than 13,500 students and a record-setting freshman class despite the coronavirus pandemic. CU recently graduated its first class of Ph.D. students, marking a major milestone for the school's academic excellence. He also nearly tripled the faculty ranks with leading scholars and dedicated educators.
To accommodate the new students and faculty, Michael undertook an ambitious plan to grow CU's physical footprint. That plan--like everything at CU--was centered on faith. Michael embarked on the construction of a landmark chapel anchoring the entire community in its mission. Then, under the steeple of the new Ransdell Chapel, the growth has continued to surpass expectations.
CU's expansion wasn't limited to the city of Campbellsville, either. Michael oversaw the opening of eight additional centers of learning in Kentucky and around the country. The university was even approved for a new international arm in Ontario. Today, CU properties account for 1.1 million square feet, giving it the ability to serve current students with plenty of space to expand its reach.
In each of my visits to the school, I have been impressed by the remarkable development under Michael's leadership. From its 850 student athletes to a $137 million economic impact in Taylor County, Michael has helped CU reach previously unbelievable heights. With the rest of his all-star leadership team, including my friend Dr. John Chowning, Michael drove the school's growth while keeping focus on an unmatched student experience.
When CU bid farewell to its president, the community also said goodbye to its consequential first lady. Debbie Carter has a long list of accomplishments in her own right. She took a leadership role in securing a national accreditation for CU's Carver School of Social Work. She was also a driving force to create pathways for students with financial needs to attend CU. Michael and Debbie made an incredible team that changed this university and our Commonwealth for years to come.
Whatever the future holds in store for Michael and Debbie, I would like to wish them the very best. They leave office with the sincere gratitude of a university community made better by two decades of devotion. I encourage my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Michael Carter for his leadership at Campbellsville University.
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