as your president,” said Serna. “As I have said before, it’s the journey AND the destination for me. I have a great debt to repay to Winthrop. This is a calling for me to pay it forward for our students and for our future. Thank you for be- ing on this journey with me. We will get to our destination. Together.”


To close out the investiture ceremony, M.A.T. graduate student Sarah Ochoa ’22 led the singing of the alma mater.


Attendees continued the day’s celebration at the community picnic in the West Center and attended student research presentations, ath- letic events and a variety of other happenings on campus and around town.


What’s Next for Winthrop During his remarks, Serna spoke about the most consequential undertaking of his first year as president: the development of the next stra- tegic initiatives for Winthrop, which will align the university’s mission, vision and values to shape a bright future.


Serna was thrilled that his parents, Al (far left) and Dianne (far right), were in attendance. In his speech, Serna thanked his parents for the important life lessons they taught him and for always encouraging him. Also pictured are First Lady Lauren Serna and the Sernas' daughter, Caroline.


Serna Expresses Gratitude for Opportunity of a Lifetime Following Beran’s remarks, Serna took to the podium to address attendees. During his remarks he stressed that being president at Winthrop was the honor of a lifetime.


“As an alumnus, being your president is the honor of my life and an incredible opportunity. It is the ultimate service I can offer to the place that gave me so much. Winthrop literally changed the trajectory of my life and the life of my family,” said Serna.


He vowed to let his actions speak loudly. “I have and will continue to let my actions speak for me – transparency, honesty, inclusivity, and a desire to connect with our partners and friends for a prom- ising future. All of these are incredibly important to me personally,” added Serna.


In closing, he stressed that a unified Winthrop is unstoppable, and he noted that the univer- sity’s future is bright: “When I came to campus 14 months ago, I said that I was a product of your hard work 20 years ago. I still am. And I am working hard every day to make you proud of me


“This is some of the most important work we will do, and I am privileged to be working with our board of trustees, our partners at the Berkeley Research Group and the cam- pus leadership and community to shape the Winthrop we want to become – a place where all prospective students can see themselves belonging and thriving and being transformed for success today and beyond,” said Serna.


A final strategic plan, which will be unveiled later this year, will chart a clear path forward so that Winthrop can thrive in the competitive landscape of higher education.


Learn more about the process and timeline at www.winthrop.edu/strategic-plan.


Edward A. Serna at a Glance


• Unanimously selected by trustees on Feb. 12, 2022, as Winthrop’s 12th president.


• Served for three years as president of the University of Maine at Farmington.


• Served as interim chancellor at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.


• Entered higher education as an assistant professor of management at Athens State University.


• Worked as a senior business analyst and strategic management consultant in the private sector.


• Entered Winthrop as a non-traditional student.


• Earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Winthrop; a Master of Science in management information systems from Auburn University; a Master of Science in industrial management from Clemson University; and a doctorate of ed- ucation in higher education administration from the University of Alabama.


• Member of the Foundation for the Carolinas Governing Board of Directors and the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce.


• Married to wife Lauren, and they have two daughters, Anna Kate and Caroline.


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