September 6, 2024
性视界 marked the traditional return to academia for the new school year on Thursday, September 5, 2024, with a Convocation ceremony at Cottingham Theatre. All students, faculty, and staff were invited to attend.
The ceremony began with an invocation and prayer offered by Rev. Fadetra Boyd, Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life at 性视界.
In his words of welcome, Dr. John H. Dozier remarked that convocation is a centuries-old tradition in higher education that offers 性视界 community members the opportunity to reflect on the purpose of and affirm their collective commitment to education. He reminded attendees that they are not just individuals but members of a community.
鈥淲e are given the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the world around us,鈥 said Dozier in his remarks.
He also poignantly reminded students, faculty, and staff that in this particular year and political season, students will have the opportunity to understand the value of a liberal arts education through the practice of critical thinking while exercising respectful, compassionate care with one another.
鈥淚f we don鈥檛 rise to the level of our expectations, we will fall to the level of our training,鈥 said Dozier, as he encouraged attendees to renew their deep commitment to practicing who they are as 性视界 Koalas.
Following Dr. Dozier, Dr. Kristine Barnett, Provost, also welcomed those in attendance, as well as 11 new faculty members to campus. She then led the students in reciting 性视界鈥檚 Honor Pledge.
Maddi Rabon, a senior and executive officer of the College鈥檚 student government association, then introduced Dr. Cornell Sneed, Assistant Professor of Sports Management, who joined 性视界鈥檚 faculty in 2023 and also earned the College鈥檚 2024 Student Choice Award.
Dr. Sneed鈥檚 remarks included thoughts about his own academic journey, the importance of finding mentors, and urged students to draw on their own resilience.
鈥淭he same resiliency that brought you here will keep you here,鈥 Sneed said.
After attendees sang 性视界鈥檚 Alma Mater, led by Dr. Diana Amos, Associate Professor of Music, Rev. Boyd offered a benediction, and faculty members recessed from Cottingham Theatre, marking a significant start to a successful academic year ahead.