Joyce McConnell officially became the 15th president of Colorado State University on Thursday, Nov. 14, at her investiture ceremony at the University Center for the Arts.
McConnell, who has been on the job since July 1, was surrounded by her family, former colleagues from West Virginia University, her CSU executive leadership team, faculty, staff and students during the music-filled, 90-minute ceremony in Griffin Concert Hall. The ceremony was part of a three-day, event-filled inauguration celebrating the first woman to serve as president in CSU’s 150-year history.
The former provost at West Virginia – cheered on by her former boss, President Gordon Gee – quoted alumna Grace Espy Patton, who was in CSU’s second graduation class, and said, “In these days, it’s a good thing to be a woman, better still to be a Colorado woman.” McConnell added, “As a recently minted Colorado woman, I’d say that’s true in these days, as well. And I’d add that it is even better still to be the president of this outstanding Colorado institution of higher education at this pivotal time in history.”
Nancy Tuor, chair of the Colorado State University System Board of Governors, welcomes everyone to the investiture of Joyce McConnell as the 15th president of Colorado State University. Photos by William A. Cotton, CSU Photography.
Joyce McConnell delivers her Inauguration Address.
Joyce McConnell seated with, from far left, Provost Rick Miranda, Board of Governors Chair Nancy Tuor, and CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank.
CSU President Joyce McConnell accepts the ceremonial mace from Faculty Council chair Tim Gallagher.
Members of the Iron Family Singers, Phil Chavez and Ty Smith, who performed a blessing song in honor of Joyce McConnell’s investiture as CSU’s 15th president, also presented her with a ceremonial blanket as part of the celebration.
CSU President Joyce McConnell leads the recessional at the end of the investiture ceremony.
