Cottey College president's inauguration Saturday

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Nevada Daily Mail

In 132 years, only 11 individuals have served as the president of Cottey College. Saturday, Oct. 22, will mark the inauguration of the 12th president, Jann Rudd Weitzel, Ph.D.

The theme of the inauguration is Imagine. During Dr. Weitzel's inaugural address, she will ask the anticipated 500 guests to imagine the future of Cottey and how they can play a role in the college's future.

"This inauguration is not about one person, one president; rather it is about the institution, all of its constituents, and its future," said Dr. Weitzel. "It is for our outstanding students, faculty and staff; for our faithful alumnae, our treasured P.E.O. Sisters, and all of the friends of Cottey College, all of whom, together, create the heart of this institution. Let's imagine the future of this amazing institution together."

Dr. Weitzel has been an educator for 42 years, 25 of which have been at the higher education level.

Dr. Weitzel began her position as the 12th president of Cottey College on June 15, 2015, and brought with her the skills developed as a college professor, a department chair, a dean, and the chief academic officer and provost. Her leadership on academic honesty has led to invitations from universities and conferences around the country to share her expertise. Outside of the college, Dr. Weitzel is a trained peer evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission.

A native of Iowa, Dr. Weitzel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in gifted education from the University of Northern Iowa, and she earned her doctorate in curriculum and supervision from the University of Iowa. She taught middle and high school for 17 years before moving to St. Charles, Mo., to accept a position at Lindenwood University, where she was employed for 20 years.

Leading up to Oct. 22, a series of activities are schedule for students, faculty and staff culminating with the Celebration Inauguration and Investiture Ceremony. The day will begin with the capping ceremony of Dr. Weitzel by her daughters on the steps of Main Hall. From there, faculty and staff, delegates representing 16 higher learning institutions and organizations, boards, and faculty emeriti will process to the Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts. During the processional students will recreate a Cottey tradition called the Daisy Chain through which Dr. Weitzel and her family will process.

The welcome will be provided by Peggy Bottorf, chair, Cottey College Board of Trustees, and Beth Ledbetter, President, International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Bringing greetings will be Michele Ozumba, President and Chief Executive Officer, Women's College Coalition; Brian Leonard, Mayor of Nevada; Professor Karen Polon, professor of physical education, recipient of the Class of 1960 Excellence in Education Award in 2016; Justin Mays, assistant director of administrative computing, recipient of the 2016 Staff of the Year Award; Mary-Frances Main, Cottey College Alumnae Association; and Melanie Dillon, president, Student Government Association.

Dr. Weitzel, the 12th president of Cottey College, will be introduced by Susan Santoli, Ph.D., chair, presidential search committee, and presented with the insignia of office followed by her inaugural address. Following the investiture ceremony, a reception will be held on the front lawn of Main Hall.

Individuals may watch the inauguration by live stream on line by going to www.cottey.edu/inauguration/livestream. Live streaming will begin at 1:55 p.m.

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