Dr. Kendra Boggess Inaugurated

For weeks, and even months now, The Campus Beautiful has been abuzz with talk of an auspicious occasion that is newsworthy for our University, the region, and the great state of West Virginia: The inauguration of Concord University’s twelfth President.

Although we have heard about this frequently, the meaning and implications of a new President may not be immediately appar- ent. On the surface, the inauguration itself is but a ceremonious celebration of the University, its longevity, and its continuity on the path of onward and upward in success and academia. However, it means so much more than that which is easily seen. It is the beginning of a new chapter for Concord University as a new leader takes the reigns and continues to move this institution forward in a fashion that is conducive to growth and development. Dig deeper and find that since the college’s inception in 1872, this University has only had a handful of men (up until now, that is) have the opportunity to fill this esteemed role.

Despite the efforts of a nation- wide search for a new President, the Presidential Search Commit- tee was pleased to find its most perfect candidate came from within the Concord Family—Dr.Kendra Boggess.

In his opening remarks, Dr.Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Educa- tion Policy Commission, summed up not only the

reasons why Boggess was chosen to be the next President but also why we need her to be the next President of Concord when he said, “...President Boggess is a vibrant, confident, compassionate leader. I believe that no matter the issue, what drives her most is her love for this campus and community and her passion to see the students of Concord succeed. As a first-generation college graduate herself, she knows what it takes to reach her dreams, how much you have to believe in yourself and how hard you have to work.”

For many, Concord is consid- ered a second home. In Boggess’ case, however, Concord is home as she has devoted the last three decades of her professional career to this institution. The option of choosing a person who has first-hand knowledge of our university from the standpoint of a faculty member, division chair, faculty president, associate dean, vice president/ academic dean, and interim president is revolutionary and extraordinary, but if you’ve ever met Dr. Boggess then you should know she is both of those things. The same sentiments were shared by Board of Governors Chair, Mr. Elliot Hicks when he stated during the inauguration ceremo- ny, “We found Kendra Boggess who brings over 30 years of experience within the Concord Family where she has gained the experience needed to chart a new course that the University needs to take...We needed a President with a demonstrated ability to create an administration that can lead and cooperate with all facets of the University community. We found Kendra Boggess.”

The University Community, including the faculty, is putting full faith in Dr. Boggess’ ability to lead this institution in the right direction as Dr. Susan Williams, Faculty President, remarks during her greetings from the faculty, “This faculty is grateful for your leadership and your representation in the community and state as our ambassador of academic excellence and our desire to educate. You’re our face, our voice... We don’t envy you, but we are relying on you. We thank you for your dignity, your energy and diligence that you bring to your job as it helps us do our jobs as together we cultivate Concord University’s future.”

It takes more than an impeccable command of the English language for communicating with colleagues and a well-tailored business suit to be a successful university president. One must also have the ability to engage and effectively communicate with the average college student to truly be a quality university president—Dr. Kendra Boggess is that person. From her cheerful comments on social media to the ever-approving Facebook “like”, she knows how to connect with the students of this university on a level that is unprecedented.

Student Government Associa-tion President Cody Boone de- scribes how Dr. Boggess inspired and helped him become a better leader by following her example as he states, “I first met Dr.Boggess almost a year ago on the day that I assumed my duties as the student representative on the Board of Governors. We were at Stonewall Jackson for the Board of Governor’s Summit and I remember wondering just moments before the meeting what I had gotten myself into and I began to doubt my abilities to fulfill [that role]. I was a nervous wreck, but then I met Dr. Boggess. My focus was pulled in by her enthusi- asm and my nervousness disap- peared because of her support and I became more determined than ever because of that single exchange. I came to admire [Dr. Boggess] as a leader and from that admiration and from her support, I was able to develop as a leader among the students. The student body thanks you for your years of dedicated service to Concord University and we look forward to the following years under your leadership. You’re an inspiration to the students and someone who we can be proud to call our President.”

Not only has Dr. Boggess made a positive and lasting impression upon the students, faculty, and staff of Concord, but she has also managed to capture the attention and respect of Concord alumni as well. Alumni Association Presi- dent Mrs. Rose Kessinger proudly reported during the inauguration ceremony, “[The officers of the Alumni Association] find Dr. Boggess to have a clear aca- demic and organizational vision for the University. She is willing to embrace and collaborate with the alumni base of the University, the Athens community, the region, and the State of West Virginia. We find her knowledgeable about academics and committed to a quality driven, cost-effective postsecondary edu- cation program. The Alumni Association welcomes Dr. Boggess’ leadership and pledges to support her in the years ahead to achieve the mission and goals of Concord University.”

With the inauguration ceremny successfully in the books, the Concord Family can be assured that the future of this institution has been placed in the capable hands of a true Concordian. Boggess, the University’s first female President, is a worthy role model to many people including her family. Boggess’ grand- daughter, Madi, proudly posted to Facebook, “Congratulations to one of my biggest role models. My grandmother is officially the President of Concord University. I’m so proud of you and I love you!”

On behalf of The Concordian staff, this journalist wishes to extend our most sincere congratulations to Dr. Boggess. This campus, community, and state are beyond fortunate to have someone like Dr. Kendra Boggess paving the way for our future. Hats off to you, Dr. Boggess: “... hail to the school we love, here’s a toast to thee.”