The Inauguration Ceremony for Dr. Kendra Boggess, Concord University’s 12th President, was held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. The investiture ceremony began at 10 a.m. in the Alexander Fine Arts Center Main Theater.
Dr. Peter Viscusi, Concord University interim vice president and academic dean, offered the welcome.
Greetings from Dignitaries included: Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; Mr. Elliot Hicks, Chair, Concord University Board of Governors; Dr. Susan Williams, President of the Concord University Faculty; Mrs. Carolyn Cox, President of the Concord University Classified Staff; Mr. Cody Boone, President of the Concord University Student Government Association; and, Mrs. Rose Kessinger, President of the Concord University Alumni Association.
Delegates attending the investiture ceremony included: Mr. Daniel Hanshew, Appalachian Bible College, Vice President for Academics; Dr. Jo Harris, BridgeValley Community & Technical College, President; Rev. Dr. Joseph Kenaston, West Virginia Wesleyan College, representative; Dr. Jack Kirby, Fairmont State University, Associate Provost; Dr. Walt Klingensmith, Harvard University, graduate; Dr. Marsha Krotseng, Bluefield State College, President; Mr. Justin Marlowe, Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Chapter, representative; Dr. David Millard, Glenville State College, Special Assistant to the President; Dr. Jessica Sharp, Bluefield College, Dean of Nursing; Dr. Rhonda Shepperd, University of Charleston, Associate Registrar; Dr. Marshall Washington, New River Community & Technical College, President; and, Dr. Scott Woodard, West Virginia State University, Dean of Arts & Humanities.
Mr. Vince Cali, a 1970 graduate of Concord, delivered the Keynote Address.
The installation of Dr. Boggess was conducted by Dr. Paul Hill, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and Mr. Elliot Hicks, chair of the Concord University Board of Governors.
Dr. Boggess delivered the Inaugural Address.
The Concord University ConChords performed the National Anthem as the ceremony began and concluded the program with the Concord University alma mater.
Dr. Boggess is the first female to serve as Concord’s president. She officially began her duties in the Office of the President on July 1, 2014. Prior to that time, she served as Interim President of Concord University (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014).
Dr. Boggess brings nearly three decades of serving Concord in academics and administration to the presidency. Throughout her career, she has served on numerous national, state, institutional and divisional committees and has been recognized for her leadership. She is an active and respected member of the local business and civic community.
The Inauguration Celebration at Concord University also included the Presidential Portrait Unveiling on Sept. 18 in the Marsh Library President’s Conference Room; the President’s Reception on Sept. 18 at University Point; and the State of the University Address on Sept. 19 in the Student Center Ballroom.
