Morris retires from Midland College Board of Trustees

May 9—Paul L. Morris, Midland College Board of Trustees, Place 4, announced his retirement from the Board effective May 7. Morris has served as a member of the Board of Trustees since January 2016.

"It is with great pleasure that I have served on the MC Board of Trustees for over eight years," Morris said in a news release. "I have enjoyed working with my fellow trustees and MC Presidents Steve Thomas and Damon Kennedy. I wish the College continued success. With Dr. Kennedy's leadership and the sound guidance from my colleagues on the Board, I know that Midland College will thrive and continue to be a cornerstone in the growth of the Midland community."

Morris, his wife Dee and their family, arrived in Midland during the boom of 1981 when he became president and CEO of Banner Energy, Inc. In 1988, he transitioned to manager of Oil and Gas at Wagner and Brown, Ltd and then was promoted to CEO in 1994. In 2013, Mr. Morris launched Elk River Resources with partner Ed Jones. He served as chairman and CEO of Elk River until he stepped down in 2019 to become a senior advisor to the board.

During Morris' tenure as a member of the MC Board of Trustees, the College observed several instructional milestones, including leadership in the statewide Pathways student success program, establishment of the College & Career Academies and launch of the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College, just to name a few. Midland College also underwent several capital improvements and new construction that include the Cowden Dining Hall, the Midland College Pre-K Academy and renovation of the Jack E. Brown Conference Hall.

"Paul has been a tremendous leader on the Midland College Board of Trustees," MC President Damon Kennedy said in the release. "As I transitioned into the role of college president, I have appreciated his counsel and calm demeanor. During the eight years that Paul has served Midland College, he has been enthusiastic about the implementation of programs and services and has demonstrated extreme dedication to the work that we are doing for higher education and community outreach in Midland. I extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to Paul."

"Midlanders should recognize and applaud the tremendous contributions Paul Morris has made to the advancement of MC during his years as a member of the Board of Trustees," Chair of the MC Board of Trustees, Steve Kiser noted. "Paul has been a terrific trustee. His wonderful leadership, wisdom and vision have helped guide this College for years. He will be greatly missed."

The Board will appoint someone at its May 21 regular monthly meeting to fulfill Morris' term on the Board through Dec. 31.