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PRESIDENTIAL APPLAUSE -- Randy Moffett, second from right,13th president of Southeastern Louisiana University, is applauded by his four predecessors after his investiture ceremony on Thursday evening, Sept. 19. The formal academic ceremony was held at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. Giving Moffett a hand are, from left, former Southeastern presidents Clea Parker; J. Larry Crain; G. Warren Smith, now president of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and Sally Clausen, president of the University of Louisiana System. At far right is Southeastern Provost John Crain, who conducted the investiture ceremony. SOUTHEASTERN STAGES PRESIDENTIAL INVESTITURE FOR RANDY MOFFETT HAMMOND -- Randy Moffett has been at the helm of Southeastern Louisiana University for more than a year, but last night, he was formally invested with the dignity and authority of his presidency. In a special ceremony marked by academic symbolism and personal affection for Moffett, a 25-year veteran of the university faculty, four former presidents -- Clea Parker, J. Larry Crain, G. Warren Smith and Sally Clausen – passed to him the President’s Chain. Donning the green satin ribbon studded with past presidents’ names on brass plaques, Southeastern’s 13th president pledged “to do all in my power to fill the duties (of leadership) with courage, integrity, wisdom and humility.” The Presidential Investiture, held at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, featured a colorful procession of faculty in academic garb and greetings from academic peers such as Louisiana State University System President William Jenkins, and 1998 Teacher of the Year and Southeastern graduate Melody Bonnette, as well as alumni, community leaders, and university and high school students. In his remarks to the audience that filled the Columbia’s performance hall, Moffett said he would be a “servant leader” and a “staunch advocate for greater access to education for all citizens.” “I’m very proud and pleased to report that at Southeastern we do education very, very well,” Moffett said. He also praised Southeastern’s faculty and challenged them “to raise the bar of expectations for students” while maintaining Southeastern’s “tradition of caring.” Moffett said the key issues his presidency would address include renewed focus on economic development, expanding international initiatives, and broadening service learning and kindergarten through 12th grade educational outreach programs. He said Southeastern will expand the College of Arts and Sciences’ successful “OSCAR” student research program through the university; work with community colleges to insure educational access for all students; and increase distance education offerings. “New degree programs, new expectations, new facilities– that is Southeastern... a place of renewed excitement created by many,” Moffett said. “I pledge to do my all to accomplish this vision” |