A NEW DAY


INAUGURATION OF EDWARD A. SERNA MAKES WINTHROP HISTORY


Association; from the Winthrop Foundation by Sue Rex, secretary of the Winthrop Foundation Board; from the student body by Miguel Caldwell, chair of the Council of Student Leaders; from Winthrop staff by Debbie Garrick ’87, ’89, chair of Staff Conference; and from the Winthrop faculty by Alice McLaine, chair of Faculty Conference.


Following a stirring and powerful performance of “Arise! Shine!” by the Winthrop Chorale and the Faculty Brass Quintet, which brought attend- ees to their feet for a lengthy standing ovation, Interim President at Western Connecticut State University Paul Beran delivered the keynote address.


On April 14, in front of hundreds of dignitaries, alumni, faculty, staff, students and members of the community, Edward A. Serna officially made Winthrop University history.


During the special investiture ceremony at the Winthrop Coliseum, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Kathy Hudson Bigham ’73 placed the presidential medallion around Serna’s neck, sealing his place as the university’s 12th president and the first Winthrop alumnus to hold the prestigious office in the university’s nearly 140-year history.


A Celebration of Winthrop While customary for a new president to be invest- ed formally through an inauguration, Serna chose to share the spotlight to bring much-deserved attention and focus onto Winthrop’s bright stu- dents, talented faculty and the beautiful Rock Hill community during the daylong event.


The April 14 date was selected to highlight the university’s annual Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)


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offerings across the campus. In addition, inaugu- ration coincided with the beginning of Rock Hill’s annual Come-See-Me festival.


The day ended up being a celebration of the ac- ademic experience, undergraduate research and this wonderful university and community.


Ceremony Hits High Notes Shelley Hamill, chief faculty marshal, signaled the start of the investiture ceremony as she led the procession holding the university mace. The platform party and faculty in their colorful regalia followed, along with special guests and repre- sentatives of other colleges and universities.


Highlights from the investiture ceremony includ- ed greetings brought on behalf of the Winthrop University Board of Trustees by Chair Glenn McCall; from the city of Rock Hill by Mayor John Gettys; from York County by Christi Cox, chair of the County Council; from the State of South Caro- lina by Senator Wes Climer; from alumni by Byron Putman ’94, president of the Winthrop Alumni


A former colleague of Serna’s from the University of Arkan- sas-Fort Smith (UAFS) and still significant mentor to the young- er president, Beran talked about Serna’s rise to leadership and his personal attributes that will hold Winthrop in good stead moving forward.


Hired by Beran as a grant writer for UAFS, Serna worked his way up the ranks and earned the respect of his colleagues and Beran.


“I could see he had vision and drive, with people skills and a data-driven analytical mind,” Beran told the crowd.


UAFS appointed Serna interim chancellor when Beran left the chancellor position for a differ- ent role in academia. Serna’s path to Winthrop would take a few more years to realize, but Beran recalled how Serna felt about the possibility of returning to his alma mater.


“When the Winthrop University president posi- tion came open, he called me and asked me if it was too soon for him to apply for another job,” said Beran. “By that time, he had been interim


chancellor for a year and had been a university president for three years. He told me his dream job was to be president at Winthrop University, his alma mater, and I encouraged him to apply and again served as a strong reference for him. I was so happy for him and his family when he was chosen.”


Read More of Beran’s Remarks:


“He and I have talked much over the years about the magic mix that creates leadership that drives a university forward, and he picked up a lot of what I learned from 44 years of teaching and administration from our evening chats.


But one thing that can’t be taught is char- acter. A university president with character makes decisions and manages people authentically and honestly for the good of the institution. A university president with character and conviction of purpose talks to heads of state or prospective students and families with equal respect and consider- ation.


I know that Winthrop University will flourish from President Serna’s leadership, integrity and commitment to do what is right.”


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