Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, September 15, 2025
Volume 113 Issue 2
IT'S A GREAT DAY
TO BE AN AGGIE!
PRESIDENTIAL INVESTITURE Amanda Purser Managing Editor
At 3 p.m. on Sept. 9, in the Cameron Theatre, the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma, Cameron University and Rogers State University, as well as the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education formally invested Dr. C. Shane Hunt with the stewardship and authority to lead this institution. Special Advisor to the President, Jari Askins gave the opening and closing remarks throughout the ceremony. Hunt, with wife Jenifer by his side, received the symbols of office by Board of Regents Chair Anita L. Holloway. Mrs. Hunt secured the chain of office for President Hunt; the presidential medallion displays the Cameron University seal and is inscribed with the names of all 18 presidents in the school’s history. Hunt took to the podium and began a speech highlighting two important topics for him — gratitude and purpose. He gave thanks and offered his immense gratitude to his parents, specifically his mother Debbie who was in attendance, for all her sacrifices that helped him successfully become a first-generation college graduate. Hunt showed gratitude to his wife and their two adult children, also in attendance for the ceremony. Hunt said that when he looks at his students now, he sees his amazing son (Andrew) and amazing daughter (Sarah) in their faces. He professed that the, “absolute best job in the world is being their dad.” Hunt went into a passionate speech about the purpose of educators and the importance of making Southwest Oklahoma a place where students return to live, work and raise their families. “We are in the business of providing the next generation of great educators, to educate your children and your grandchildren — we’re committed to that,” Hunt said. “We have a purpose at Cameron University to help make sure that our students go on to be leaders in their community.” Hunt explained that he views public higher education as the greatest agent of positive social mobility change in this world. “And I want every student to know this right now,” Hunt said. “If there
What’s Inside
is a young person, if there is a nonshow his support and presence for this traditional student, if there is someone ceremony, but he took it a step further saying, ‘I want a better life for me, for and as a person who can professionally my family,’ I will tell you in my soul, I and personally give an accurate would not be here if I did not believe it. portrayal, McLean vouched for Hunt’s There is not a better thing that you can genuineness. do, than come to Cameron University, “And I can say unequivocally and than come to one of our amazing without question,” McLean said, public higher education institutions. It “something that I learned over almost is transformative in what it is.” two decades now observing Shane Hunt’s passion for educating young — it’s one hundred percent real. It’s people will surely guide his practices spectacular and he truly believes the and management message that he style as the leader of is spreading, and this institution. He he wants you on “I have a purpose to brings an infectious that journey with help students dream energy and inspired him.” big dreams. I think motivation to this The next position and each speaker and this generation of speech he has given colleague of college students is the since arriving in the Hunt’s from Idaho best generation in spring is indicative State University, of that vigor. Dr. Adam our history.” One question the Bradford, had Aggie community similar sentiments - Dr. C. Shane Hunt to share. might have, as guest Cameron University President speaker Dr. William Bradford McLean of Arkansas gave anecdotes State University, of meaningful colleague and friend conversations of Hunt’s for the past two decades shared with Hunt over the years while illustrated, is a question many who working together. encounter Hunt have asked. “Is it A memorable one in which Hunt real?” pointed out that “young people are “What they mean by that, is he perceptive purveyors of hypocrisy,” really this genuine – upbeat – positive acknowledging that any actions devoid force for good who does not seem to of authenticity will not go unnoticed have an off switch?” McLean said. by the demographic he pledged his “Is he truly happy to see me? Does career to. he really want to hear about my family “To all those interested in the — how my latest article, or book, or vitality of this institution,” Bradford project is going?” said, “I want you to know that above McLean explained further that regardless of what Hunt is doing or where he is at, that optimistic disposition remains intact. “Whether it be fundraising for the university, engaging in economic development in the local community, or simply teaching an undergraduate Principles Marketing class; is the balanced energy and positive outlook an act?” McLean said. “Or does he really live and believe that internally?” Not only did McLean take the time to travel here and
all, Dr. Hunt is a man who leads from his values. Not from political expediencies, not from self-interests.” Bradford said “I am confident that you will find, as I have at Idaho State University, that Dr. Hunt will be a relentless advocate for the students at Cameron University. Not just in terms of identifying ways to support them academically, financially, socially — but in advocating them to realize their own inestimable worth, their value, their importance both as individuals and as members of families and communities,” Bradford said. “You will find that he sees them and sincerely appreciates them, for both who they are and who they can become. And this vision implicates in him a sense of gratitude, hope and responsibility that he will honor,” Bradford said. Hunt closed the ceremony with hopeful remarks on the future of Southwest Oklahoma and Cameron University having our collective “best days ahead of us.” “I have a purpose to help students dream big dreams,” Hunt said. “I think this generation of college students is the best generation in our history.” He spoke his final thoughts to the theater’s audience with encouragement and optimism for what Aggies everywhere can look forward to throughout Hunt’s tenure. “I am thrilled, and thankful, and blessed, and honored to get to serve as president of the best university in America," Hunt said. "And today’s a really great day, and we’re just getting started. Go aggies!”
Photos By Amanda Purser
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Sabrina and Clair
Volleyball WIN!
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