By: Sydney Franklin
Friday’s inauguration ceremony ushers in a new time at Milligan
A communal warmth filled Seeger Chapel during Friday’s inauguration ceremony as Bill Greer vowed his position as a servant-leader on campus, reaffirming the liberal arts education and ushering in a new time of expansion at Milligan.
The combined Milligan College orchestra, concert choir and trumpet fanfare set the tone for the ceremony and the voice of Dick Major served as the narrator.
The students who attended the formal ceremony witnessed a pivotal day for the college.
“It was like a fairytale,” said freshman Hannah Reedy. “The music reminded me of one of those moments before the entrance of some character of royalty.”
The audience rose for the colorful processional beginning with Milligan’s banners, carried by the president’s sons, Logan and Jeremy, and the Flags of the Nations representing the homes of current students.
Representatives from over 50 educational institutions were present as well as Milligan’s board of trustees, faculty and senior administration, Rep. Phil Roe, and Sen. Lamar Alexander.
Chancellor Don Jeanes mistakenly introduced the keynote speaker, Senator Alexander, as the “senior citizen” instead of senior senator for the state of Tennessee. This provided comic relief from the tension in the room and the audience erupted with laughter.
“I’ve been called worse,” said Alexander in response to Jeanes’s verbal mishap. Alexander’s message included quoting the late Alex Haley, author of Roots to challenge the audience and Greer to “find the good and praise it.”
The congregation listened, laughed, and nodded as Alexander spoke.
Paul E. Stanton, president of East Tennessee State University, brought the academic community’s greeting.
“We at ETSU are proud to be both your neighbor and your partner,” said Stanton.
The concert choir and orchestra led by Rick Simerly, Kellie Brown and Noah DeLong performed three songs at the ceremony. The official inaugural hymn, “Fide et Amore: Go with God in Faith and Love,” was written for the occasion by Dr. Lee Magness, professor of Bible. The lyrics mirror the Latin words on Milligan’s seal.
Greer was officially installed Milligan’s 15th president once he received the presidential robe and medallion. The congregation gave Greer a lengthy standing ovation.
“Until this moment, I underestimated the whole thing,” said senior Michelle Ramsey. “It is really special to be a part of Milligan’s history.”
In his inaugural address, Greer promised to uphold Milligan’s campaign of scholarship, community, and faith. He announced the college’s plans for physical and academic expansion while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a liberal arts foundation.
“This is as much your celebration as it is mine,” said Greer. “I am here to serve you as we continue to move forward ever into the 21st century and beyond.”
Greer said there were obstacles as well as opportunities that lay ahead for Milligan, but that forward ever would continue to be Milligan’s watchword. Greer said changes will be embraced “only when it supports our core values.”
Greer joked that he hopes to serve as Milligan’s 15th president for at least 15 years after former president Don Jeanes served 14 years and his predecessor, Marshall Leggett, served 13 years.
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