HR 385

ENROLLED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 385
BY REPRESENTATIVE LAFLEUR
  A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Dr. Erma
       Waddy Hines.
       WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness and profound regret that the House of
Representatives of the Legislature of Louisiana has learned of the passing, on May 19, 2026,
of Dr. Erma Waddy Hines; and
       WHEREAS, Dr. Erma Waddy Hines was a distinguished educator, administrator,
champion of higher education, and professor emeritus of English and speech at Southern
University and A&M College; and
       WHEREAS, Dr. Hines dedicated forty-five years of service to Southern University
and left an indelible mark on generations of students, faculty, and staff at the university; as
a professor of English and speech, she was committed to academic excellence and developed
and refined curricula, while shaping the intellectual and professional growth of her students;
and
       WHEREAS, Dr. Hines held several leadership roles at Southern University; she
served as chairman of the Speech and Theater Program, dean of the College of Arts and
Humanities, and chief executive officer of the Office of Institutional Advancement; she also
served as director of the Southern University System Foundation, where she advanced the
university's mission through fundraising and philanthropic engagement; and
       WHEREAS, Dr. Hines was an Associate/Life Member of the Baton Rouge Chapter
in the South Central Region of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated; she joined the
organization in 1966 and served as its national treasurer, regional director, and regional
secretary-treasurer; she was also a charter member of the Alexandria, Louisiana Chapter; and
       WHEREAS, Dr. Hines was dedicated to community service throughout her life and
remained committed to the goals of Jack and Jill of America by serving others and
motivating youth to achieve their potential for success; and
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HR NO. 385  ENROLLED
        WHEREAS, Dr. Erma Waddy Hines will be deeply missed, but the legacy of her
outstanding service to Southern University and A&M College and the citizens of Louisiana
shall live on in the hearts and minds of those who were privileged to have known and loved
her.
        THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death of Dr. Erma
Waddy Hines and does hereby extend sincere wishes that her family, friends, former
colleagues and students, and loved ones find comfort in their shared memories of her
beautiful life.
  SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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