Southeastern Oklahoma State University - Savage Yearbook (Durant, OK)

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Mrs. Lahoma Clark signs the registration book for the reception. A student Marine stands guard over the symbols of office. Dr. Larry Williams greets his mother, Mrs. Morene Williams during the reception. Dr. Williams shakes hands with man y former students, alumni and faculty.

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Dr. Hobbs traced the historical roots of the mace to its origins in Italy, later to France and England. It initially belonged to the military, but was changed by the church from a weapon of war to a weapon of peace. itToday we present the academic mace to Dr. Larry Williams as a symbol of the Presidents authority to carry out the mission of Southeastern Oklahoma State University. iiIt is a symbolic reminder that the Universityis pursuit of truth is both powerful and sacred? he said. The Southeastern mace, created by members of the Southeastern faculty, was made of moradillo wood from Brazil, which attested to the international mission of the university. The crown, in the shape of a torch, signified the spirit of knowledge. Six medallions on the hexagon-shaped head identified the institution as one of six sisters. Dr. Hobbs also presented Dr. Williams with the medallion to be worn as the embodiment of learning and the symbol of presidential office. iiMay you always carry the mace With honor, and wear this medallion with dignity, Dr. Hobbs said during the presentation. Ms. Linda Blankenship Grantham, president of the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges, presented the official seal of the university to Dr. Williams. Ms. Blankenship verbally applauded Dr. Williams for his leadership abilities in his short tenure as chief administrator. iiHe has set the faculty and students on course to the future? she said. As the representative for the Regents, she gave him the charge to tigather a faculty with the scholarly knowledge and the teaching competency to meet the needs of the students . . . and give them the support to do their important work? In presenting the seal of the university, which bore the words Progress and Education, she reminded him of his reponsibility to make education and progress secure at the university. In his address to the large audience, Dr. Williams spoke of his humility in representing the large groups - student, faculty and alumni - represented at the ceremony. iiA leader must keep some humility ever alive in his character and in his behavior. It is of fundamental importance in leadership, he said. Butf the new president said, iivision and boldness must accompany humility? iiWe must dare to imagine the future as the present is not, but we must dare to make our visions come true? he said. Dr. Williams explained, however, that his vision alone was not enough to mold the future of Southeastern and called on students, faculty, alumni, and the regents to devote the support to help do so. Dr. Williams promised his strength, energy, and individual resourcefulness to help make the university an institution which can fulfill the dreams of each group represented on the campus. iiThere is no middle of the road. We must keep our eyes on the one simple goal of any institution of higher learning - to educate its students and to do so with the highest standards of excellence it can achieve with its resources? iiThis university can contribute significantly to all worthy human endeavors? Dr. Williams emphasized. iiWe can share the goal of doing our best to enable our students to acquire the fundamental university education they need to succeed in the world today. I donit refer only to financial success in their professions? iiI intend success in both their careers and personal lives? he stresses. iiAbsolute dedication of all the universityis resources, human, and monetary? said the president, iigives a university its integrity. Organized and thorough research of the knowledge and intellectual abilities graduates should have in order to live fulfilling lives was also emphasized as a needed undertaking of the university by Dr. Williams. iiUniversity teachersli he said, iiare persons who research and study and evaluate and teach their academic subjects. iiStrengthening instructional programs and bringing the vision of teaching and learning to fulfillment must be done boldly, the president said. Closing, the newly-invested president said, iil want to thank the persons Who have challenged me here on this stage - not only because I owe them gratitude for taking the time to honor me - but also because they have made the effort to instruct me? til share the vision?

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Reception is lively Even a furious rainstorm attended. did not bring the spirit of As cake and punch were happiness down at the served, guests greeted the reception following the new president and his investiture. Held in the family. Each had a word of main dining room, encouragement or a approximately 500 people suggestion to help him. Even min couldnet dampen the spirits of Dr. Larry Williams after his inaugura tion as president. Former boss, Central State University president Dr. Bill Lillard, greets his new colleague. Campus women prepare the service table for the reception. A display of Dr. Williamsh life shows some of the accomplishments of the new president.