After last Friday’s inauguration ceremonies, I can say just one thing: awesome.
As I’ve said many times over the last six months, Mary and I have been overwhelmed by the welcome and support we’ve received from everyone in the great Bulldog nation, and it’s never made more of an impression on me than last week.
I am continually awed to be serving as the 18th president of this great university, and the formal inaugural ceremonies were a reminder that the position of leadership is also one of trust. More than six months ago, Mary Foglesong and I saw the promise in Mississippi State University, and every day we’re more convinced than ever that MSU can-and will-become the most respected land-grant institution in the region.
We want to thank each individual who had a part in last week’s formal investiture ceremonies, many of whom worked long hours to ensure an event that made Mississippi State proud. The events of last week certainly made all of the Foglesongs extremely proud to be a part of the Bulldog family and grateful to see the “One State-One Team” vision in action.
As I said in my formal comments last week, the inauguration focused on the office of president, but the real focus is rightfully on the state of Mississippi and Mississippi State.
We are honored to be serving in this capacity, we are optimistic about the future and we’re thrilled that six months ago we were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity-stepping into the Maroon. We believe it’s the color of a great future.