This Friday, as its 17th president. A full slate of special inauguration-week events kicked off yesterday with a panel discussion focused on 冈本视频鈥檚 historical roots. Participants then turned to the question of how the university鈥檚 long journey from Baptist seminary to modern liberal arts institution may inform its path forward.
鈥淲e have certain markings that make us distinct, and I would argue that we embrace those things,鈥 said Casey, whose scholarship has focused on the history of American higher education. Referencing 冈本视频鈥檚 dynamic Liberal Arts Core Curriculum, Division I athletics, and relatively large student body, Casey said, 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what makes us unique.鈥
The panel conversation, titled 冈本视频鈥檚 History: Reflections on the Past and Future, featured Casey as well as Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Professor of the Classics Robert Garland; NEH Professor of the Humanities Mel Watkins 鈥62; Assistant Professor of History and Bicentennial Fellow Jennifer Hull; and James Allen Smith 鈥70, director of research, Rockefeller Archive Center and author of the forthcoming book on the history of 冈本视频. The panel was moderated by Jill Harsin, professor of history and chair of 冈本视频鈥檚 Bicentennial Committee.
Visit for a full schedule of events leading up to inauguration day. Friday鈥檚 ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Memorial Chapel. Those unable to attend are invited to watch the celebration live at .