Music echoed through the curtained-off section of Humphrey Coliseum as a long processional of the deans and faculty representatives as well as delegates from 36 colleges across the country including Harvard University participated in the inauguration of Mississippi State’s 18th president, Robert “Doc” Foglesong.
The participants, wearing formal robes in the manner of a graduation ceremony and representing every college in the university, ascended into the stands to take their seats as the event began.
After the procession, the presidential party entered. As soon as Robert “Doc” Foglesong stepped through the curtain, he tossed up a wave towards the audience, where he seemed to recognize someone.
The members of the party, wearing colorful robes, took their seats on stage. The inauguration ceremony began before an audience of several hundred.
“An inauguration is an important event in the life of the university because it honors tradition and signals change,” chair of the inaugural committee Jacquelyn P. Deeds said in the welcome speech.
Among the distinguished guests on stage were Gov. Haley Barbour, Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, 3rd District U.S. Representative Chip Pickering and West Virginia University President David C. Hardesty Jr.
“We in Mississippi have come through, in the last year, a very tortuous time,” Barbour said. “We are at a tipping point in the history of this state.”
Mississippi State University will play a major part in helping with the reconstruction of Mississippi’s economy in the future, he said.
“It’s providential that this crucial university have the leadership that is found in Dr. Foglesong,” Barbour added.
Student Association President JR Love described Foglesong’s love for the university as the thing that drives him to be so visible.
He even runs or walks around campus and sits in on classes, Love said.
Hardesty recounted how, years ago, he and Foglesong had attended WVU together, where Foglesong obtained three degrees.
“Little did we know when we were students sitting in those classrooms at West Virginia University all those years ago that we would find ourselves coming back together again,” Harvesty said. “Mississippi State will be a stronger institution because of Dr. Foglesong.”
Tuck said she has seen Foglesong at work, from the Capitol in Jackson to the sidelines of MSU football games.
“He has shown a complete willingness to go to work for this university, this community and this state,” Tuck added.
He has visited more than 130 countries and been stationed in 19 of them. He brings a broad perspective to this university, Tuck said.
President of the MSU Alumni Association Betty L. Black said the Bulldog nation will stand behind its new president.
“We pledge to you our support as you work to strengthen this university,” she said.
The MSU choir sang “America, The Beautiful” as the orchestra accompanied the choral voices in rhythmic time shortly before the ceremony of investiture, where Foglesong was officially inaugurated as the 18th president of MSU.
In introduction to the ceremony, commissioner of the State College Board Thomas Meredith described the high responsibility of Foglesong’s position as the president of the largest university in Mississippi.
“Mississippi State has been placed in your care and your trust,” Meredith said.
Faculty, students and many others throughout the state are depending on Foglesong he added.
Meredith and president of the Board of Trustees of the State College Board D.E. Magee, Jr., placed a historic medallion, used in inaugurations in the past, over Foglesong’s neck to signify his taking the helm of MSU.
“The hospitality and warmness of this state is incredible,” Foglesong said.
Foglesong said the inaugural ceremony really focused on things more important than himself.
“Today is really about the state of Mississippi and Mississippi State,” he said. “It’s about us pulling together. Mississippi is in motion.”
After Foglesong retired from his position as a general in the Air Force, he said he and his wife prayed for paradise.
“Prayers come true, and they’re wrapped in maroon,” he added.