Steeped in academic tradition, the official inauguration of a university president is an opportunity for an institution to celebrate its history and chart a new course for its future. The the theme of “Engaged Innovation,” events are scheduled for April 1-6, 2013. The formal investiture ceremony of Dr. William J. McKinney will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, April 5 on the Front Lawn of West Hall. University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank M. Huckaby will administer the symbolic conferring of authority to McKinney as VSU’s ninth president.

Visit the Presidential Inauguration Website at www.valdosta.edu/inauguration

Monday, April 1   |   Engaged Innovation & the Individual

All Day Undergraduate Research Symposium • VSU Student Union Ballroom & Theatre • Open to the Public

Explore the innovative research conducted by VSU students by attending panel presentations or poster sessions.

12:00 PM Symposium: Highlighting Innovation in Our Scholarship • Student Union Theatre • Open to the Public

This hour-long presentation by Dr. David Williams focuses on his recent book Bitterly Divided: The South’s Inner Civil War. Light refreshments provided.

7:00 PM Review of VSU Student Art Competition • VSU Fine Art Gallery • Open to the Public

Join VSU student artists as they explain the innovative features of their juried works. Reception immediately follows.

Tuesday, April 2   |   Engaged Innovation in the Classroom

All Day  Undergraduate Research Symposium • VSU Student Union Ballroom & Theatre • Open to the Public

Awards Reception in the Student Union at 6:00 PM.

12:00 PM Symposium: Highlighting Innovation in Our Classrooms • VSU Student Union Theatre • Open to the Public

This hour-long presentation features student and faculty research that highlights innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Light refreshments provided.

6:30 PM Pippin Pre-Show Discussion & Performance • VSU Sawyer Theatre • Registration Required

Join the President and First Lady for an overview of the performance from Director Eric Nielsen and then witness the magic of the performance. Light refreshments provided. 

Wednesday, April 3   |   Engaged Innovation in the Community

All Day Day of Service • Various Locations on Campus and in the Community • Pre-registration Preferred

VSU students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to work on projects in partnership with a variety of community organizations. Register to participate in a service project via Campus Connect.

12:00 PM Symposium: Highlighting Innovation in Our Community • VSU Student Union Theatre • Open to the Public

This hour-long presentation features the innovative approaches local businesses use in their companies. Light refreshments provided.

5:30 PM Students & Alumni BBQ • VSU Reames Field (by the tennis courts)

Students are invited to meet and interact with President McKinney and Dr. Charlesworth for filling cuisine and conversation. Current students should register by March 18 for the BBQ via Campus Connect; Alumni need not register.

7:00 PM VSU Battle of the Bands • VSU PE Complex • Open to the Public

This event highlights the many musical talents of VSU students and faculty and will identify the best of the best!

Thursday, April 4   |   Engaged Innovation in Higher Education

12:00 PM  Symposium: Highlighting Innovation in Higher Education • VSU Student Union Theatre • Open to the Public

This hour-long presentation by Dr. George Mehaffy focuses on the role of innovation in higher education. Light refreshments provided.

6:00 PM Mixing it Up with the President & First Lady • VSU University Center • Registration Required

Join President McKinney and Dr. Charlesworth as they teach you to mix up their favorite original cocktails. Specially selected hors d’oeuvres will be served alongside the libations.  RSVP March 18

8:00 PM     VSU Performing Arts Showcase • VSU Whitehead Auditorium • Open to the Public

This showcase celebrates innovative artistic works from several genres performed by faculty and students.  Reception immediately follows.

Friday, April 5   |   Celebrating Dr. McKinney’s Investiture

10:00 AM Investiture Ceremony • VSU West Hall Front Lawn • Open to the Public

Inaugural Message from Dr. George Mehaffy, Vice President for Academic Leadership and Change at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Reception immediately follows

7:00 PM Inaugural Ball Benefiting Student Scholarships • VSU Student Union Ballroom • Registration Required

RSVP no later than March 18 to be included in the Inaugural Ball Program as a Sponsor.  Cocktail Hour begins at 6:00 PM.

Saturday, April 6   |   Celebrating the VSU Family

9:30 AM Zumba^® with the First Lady • VSU West Hall Front Lawn • Open to the Public

Join Dr. Charlesworth as she leads a 45 minute workout that’s sure to rev up your appetite!  Athletic shoes, towel, and water are recommended.

12:00 PM Employee BBQ • VSU West Hall Front Lawn • VSU Employees • Registration Required

Entertainment provided by Making Trax, President McKinney’s college band—the world’s most over-educated, under-rehearsed band! RSVP March 18