The Inauguration of
Brenda A. Allen, Ph.D. Friday, the Twentieth of October Two Thousand Seventeen Two O’clock in the Afternoon Lincoln University Thurgood Marshall Living Learning Center Lawn Lincoln University, Pennsylvania
163 years
Historic Chapel
A Legacy of Producing Leaders Since its founding in 1854, Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has been internationally recognized for its commitment to excellence in scholarship and service. Lincoln University graduates have distinguished themselves in many fields including medicine, science, theology, education, law, and the arts. In addition to our more visible graduates – Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall ’30, poet and playwright Langston Hughes ’29, the first president of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe ’30, and the first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah ’39 – Lincoln University and its graduates have achieved the following additional distinctions: participated in the founding of eight universities in the United States and the model for the U.S. Peace Corps, and published the first alumni magazine of any college or university (1884). Lincoln graduates also include the first African American Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Roy C. Nichols ’41, and the first African American female rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, Lillian Fishburne ’71.
inception, Lincoln has attracted an interracial and international enrollment from the surrounding community and region, and around the world. The University admitted women students in 1952, and formally associated with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1972 as a state-related, coeducational university. Lincoln University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University’s beginnings can be traced back with recognition to its founder, Presbyterian Minister John Miller Dickey; his wife, Sarah Emlen Cresson; and the first two students, James Ralston Amos and his brother, Thomas H. Amos. Lincoln University was initially chartered as Ashmun Institute in honor of Jehudi Ashmun, the first governor of Liberia, and renamed Lincoln University in 1866 after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Since its
Lincoln University’s historic campus is located on 422 acres in Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Currently, Lincoln also operates an additional location at 3020 Market Street in Philadelphia.
Lincoln University has had 14 presidents in its distinguished history with President Brenda A. Allen currently at the helm. They include Dickey (1854-56); John Pym Carter (1856-61); John Wynne Martin (1861-65); Isaac Norton Rendall (1865-1906); John Ballard Rendall (1906- 24); William Hallock Johnson (1926-36); Walter Livingston Wright (1936-45); Horace Mann Bond (1945-57); Marvin Wachman (1961- 69); Herman Russell Branson 1970-85); Niara Sudarkasa (1987-98); Ivory V. Nelson (1999-2011); Robert R. Jennings (2012-14); and Brenda A. Allen (July 2017-present).
Lincoln University remains committed to preserving its distinction as an intellectual and cultural resource for this region.
Brenda A. Allen, Ph.D.
Fourteenth President of Lincoln University Dr. Brenda A. Allen was named the 14th president of her alma mater, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania on May 11, 2017. She began her tenure on July 1, 2017. From July, 2009 through June, 2017 she served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Winston Salem State University (WSSU). Dr. Allen was also a tenured member of the faculty there, holding the title of Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. At WSSU, Dr. Allen’s primary responsibility was to provide executive level leadership for the institution as it pursued its academic mission. Dr. Allen was responsible to the Chancellor for the overall coordination and effective implementation of the University’s academic programs, and exercised leadership in promoting quality instruction, research, and university and public service. She had responsibility for developing and administering the academic policies and regulations of the University, and in collaboration with other senior officers, she had lead responsibility for the development of the University’s annual budget and long-term financial plans. As Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Allen provided oversight and leadership of the following academic and operating units: the College of Arts, Sciences; Business and Education; the School of Health Sciences and University College. Other units reporting to the Provost included: Information Resources (IT and the Library); Institutional Planning, Assessment and Research; the Division of Lifelong Learning (Evening and Weekend Programs, Continuing Education, Distance Learning and Summer Session); the Honors College; Enrollment Management (Admission, Financial Aid, and the Registrar); the Center of Excellence in Teaching and Learning; the Center for Community Safety; the Center for Health Disparities; and the Center for Design Innovations.
Dr. Allen departed WSSU with a legacy of achievement. Her many accomplishments included leading revision of the curriculum, overseeing the establishment of WSSU’s first two doctoral programs, expanding undergraduate research funding, restructuring academic support to strengthen advising, creating an Office of Faculty Affairs, strengthening standards for tenure and promotion, and helping raise more than $ 10 million for capital projects, scholarships and other student support. Under her watch, the university’s retention and graduation rates rose dramatically and the number of students engaged in research and study abroad also increased. Dr. Allen served as Associate Provost and Director of Institutional Diversity before moving to WSSU. There she was credited with helping to raise nearly $15 million to support diversity goals, co-authoring a successful $3.3 million NSF ADVANCE Grant, and leading efforts that culminated in 36% and 45% increases in the number of women and minority faculty members, respectively. Prior to joining Brown University, Dr. Allen held a number of academic and administrative positions at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Promoted through the ranks at Smith to Full Professor Dr. Allen served as the chair of the African American Studies Department, the Assistant to the President and Director of Institutional diversity, and Special Assistant to the Provost. Prior to her tenure at Smith College, Dr. Allen spent three years at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut where she held several positions, including Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Psychology, and Lecturer in the Departments of Psychology and African American Studies. Dr. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lincoln University, a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology and a doctorate in Developmental Psychology, both from Howard University in Washington, DC.
Symbols of Office MEDALLION The ceremonial medallion, worn by the University president during Commencement and other academic ceremonies, features the Lincoln University seal. The name of each Lincoln University president is inscribed on an individual plate around the chain.
MACE The ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal and wood that is carried by the marshal ahead of the president and platform-party dignitaries during Commencement and other academic ceremonies to represent authority. Lincoln University’s mace features the University seal. The practice dates back to the medieval times when knights carried maces during processions for kings.
Order of the Procession (Audience (Audience PleasePlease StandStand For Procession) For Procession) University University of Delaware of Delaware ROTC ROTC ColorColor GuardGuard Bearers Bearers of Country of Country FlagsFlags Lincoln Lincoln University University Student Student Organization Organization Representatives Representatives Elected Elected Officials Officials Bearer Bearer of theofLincoln the Lincoln University University MaceMace Delegates Delegates of Higher of Higher Education Education Institutions Institutions (Ordered (Ordered by Founding by Founding Year) Year) Lincoln Lincoln University University Deans, Deans, Department Department Chairs, Chairs, and Faculty and Faculty
Platform Platform Party Party President’s President’s Cabinet Cabinet Lincoln Lincoln University University BoardBoard of Trustees of Trustees Ministers Ministers Former Acting President of Lincoln University Former Acting President of Lincoln University President President of Lincoln of Lincoln University University Student Student Government Government Association Association ChairChair of Lincoln of Lincoln University University Faculty Faculty Council Council Representative Representative of Higher of Higher Education Education Institutions Institutions President President of theofNational the National Alumni Alumni Association Association MayorMayor of theofBorough the Borough of Oxford of Oxford th Representative Representative of 13of District 13th District of Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania House House of Representatives of Representatives
GuestGuest Speaker Speaker Chairlady Chairlady of theofLincoln the Lincoln University University BoardBoard of Trustees of Trustees Fourteenth Fourteenth President President of Lincoln of Lincoln University University
The Inauguration of Dr. Brenda A. Allen INVESTITURE CEREMONY PRELUDE
PRELUDE
PROCESSIONAL PROCESSIONAL (Audience Stand)
INVOCATION
University Band Un Mr. Timothy Mr. Timothy Chambers, DirectorChamb (Audience Stand) by Clifton RegalWilliams Procession by Clifton Williams Regal Procession
INVOCATION
OF THE PRESIDER INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION OF THE PRESIDER
WELCOME REMARKS & PRESIDER WELCOME REMARKS & PRESIDER
GREETINGS
Rev. Freder Rev. Frederick T. Faison Chaplain, Director Chaplain, of Chapel Direct
Dr. Patricia P Dr. Patricia Pierce Ramsey Provost and Vice President for Acad Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ms. Theres Ms. Theresa R. Braswell Chairlady, Board LincolnofUniversity Chairlady, Lincoln University Trustees Boar
GREETINGS
House of Representatives Pennsylvania HousePennsylvania of Representatives Mayor of the Borough Mayor of Oxford, of the Borough PA of Oxford, PA
The Honorable Jo The Honorable John Lawrence th 13 District
The Honorable Geoffrey The Honorable L. Henry Geoff
Higher Education Institutions Higher Education (Representative) Institutions (Representative) Ms. JoAnne A. Epps Ms. JoA Provost, President Temple andUniversity Provost, Temp Executive Vice President and Vice Lincoln University National Lincoln University Alumni Association National Alumni Association Lincoln University Faculty Lincoln Council University Faculty Council Lincoln University Student Lincoln University Government Student Association Government Association
Mr. Darrell Braxton, Mr. President Darrell Braxt
Dr. Zizwe Poe, Chair Dr. Zizw
Mr. Gionelly Mills, Mr. President Gionelly Mi
MUSICAL SELECTION MUSICAL Elijah SELECTION Rockarranged by Anonymous Elijah Rock Composer by Anonymous Women Composer of the Lincoln Women University of the Concert Lincoln University Choir C Elijah Rock by Jester Harriston Dr. Camilla Horne,Dr. Director Camilla Ho
INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER GUEST SPEAKER GUEST SPEAKER GUEST SPEAKER MUSICAL SELECTION MUSICAL SELECTION MUSICAL SELECTION
Order My Steps by Glenn Burleigh Order My Steps by Glenn Burleigh Order My Steps by Glenn Burleigh
INVESTITURE OF PRESIDENT Oath of Office INVESTITURE OF PRESIDENT INVESTITURE OF PRESIDENT Oath of Office Oath of Office
Presentation of University Medallion Presentation of University Medallion Prayer Presentation of University Medallion Prayer Prayer INAUGURAL ADDRESS INAUGURAL ADDRESS INAUGURAL ADDRESS ALMA MATER ALMA MATER ALMA MATER BENEDICTION BENEDICTION BENEDICTION RECESSIONAL RECESSIONAL RECESSIONAL
Ms. Terri P. Dean Vice Chair, Ms. Board of Trustees Terri P. Dean Terri P. Dean Vice Chair, Ms. Board of Trustees Donald Julian Reaves ViceDr. Chair, Board of Trustees Chancellor Emeritus, Winston-Salem State University Dr. Donald Julian Reaves Dr. Donald Julian Reaves Chancellor Emeritus, Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Emeritus, Winston-Salem State University Lincoln University Concert Choir and Band Dr. Horne andChoir Mr. Chambers Lincoln University Concert and Band Lincoln University Concert and Band Dr. Horne andChoir Mr. Chambers Dr. Horne and Mr. Chambers
Dr. James A. Donaldson Professor Emeritus, Mathematics, Howard University Dr. James A. Donaldson AlumnusProfessor and Former Interim President of Lincoln University Dr. James A. Donaldson Emeritus, Mathematics, Howard University Emeritus, University AlumnusProfessor and Former InterimMathematics, President of Howard Lincoln University Alumnus Alumnusand andFormer FormerInterim Acting President of Lincoln University Chairlady Braswell Chairlady Braswell Reverened Aleyah Lacey Chairlady Braswell Mount Teman AME Church, Elizabeth, New Jersey Reverened Aleyah Lacey Reverened Lacey Mount Teman AME Church, Elizabeth,Aleyah New Jersey Mount Teman AME Church, Elizabeth, New Jersey Dr. Brenda A. Allen Fourteenth President of Lincoln Dr. BrendaUniversity A. Allen Dr. BrendaUniversity A. Allen Fourteenth President of Lincoln Fourteenth President of Lincoln University Rev. Faison Rev. Faison Rev. Faison
Guest Speaker Donald Julian Reaves, Ph.D., is a retired higher education professional. Dr. Reaves career in higher education of more than 35 years started in the classroom and concluded after serving as Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a position that he held for almost eight years. Prior to his service as Chancellor, Dr. Reaves was the senior-most financial and administrative officer at two of the nation’s leading universities: the University of Chicago where he served as Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer; and, at Brown University where he served as Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Reaves graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in political science. After completing masters and doctoral degrees at Kent State University, Dr. Reaves joined the political science faculty at Northeastern University in Boston. While in Boston, Dr. Reaves also worked in public service, holding several positions at the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare, including Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Budget and Costs Control. Active in professional and higher education organizations, Dr. Reaves was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to the Historically Black College and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board. Dr. Reaves is also the former chair of the Roxbury Community College Board of Trustees in Boston, and the former vice-chair of the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees in Jackson, Mississippi.
Dr. Reaves has extensive board experience, both corporate and not-for-profit. Currently Dr. Reaves serves as a director of the Amica Mutual Insurance Company in Lincoln, Rhode Island, and as an independent trustee of the William Blair Mutual Fund in Chicago, Illinois. Previously, Dr. Reaves served as a director of Bank Rhode Island of Providence, Rhode Island. In the not-for-profit sector Dr. Reaves has served an array of organizations, including, currently, as chair of the American Student Assistance Corporation Board of Directors, and previously on the boards of Tufts New England Medical Center Hospital in Boston and the Novant Health Triad Region Hospital in Winston Salem, North Carolina. During his long career Dr. Reaves received numerous awards and honors for his performance and for his service, including two that were bestowed by the Winston Salem State University Board of Trustees. In recognition of his accomplishments the Winston Salem State University Board of Trustees named a newly constructed student center building in his honor, and upon his retirement, Dr. Reaves was given the title of Chancellor Emeritus. A member of Sigma Phi Pi, Dr. Reaves lives with his wife Dr. Deborah Ross Reaves, a retired clinical psychologist, in Sarasota, Florida, and on Martha’s Vineyard in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. They have two adult children and a recently arrived granddaughter.
Delegates from Universities and Colleges FOUNDING & INSTITUTION
DELEGATE
1701
Yale University
Dr. Mark Curchack, Alumnus
1746
Princeton University
Mr. Charles E. Corpening, II, Alumnus
1764
Brown University
Dr. Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar, Alumnus
1819
University of Virginia
Dr. Angela M. Davis, Vice President for Student Services and Associate Professor of English, Languages and Literature (Retired)
1830
University of Richmond
Doron Samuel -Siegel, Associate Professor of Legal Writing, School of Law
1855
Penn State University
Dr. Kristin Woolever, Chancellor, Penn State Brandywine
1864
Swarthmore College
Ms. Susanna Davison, Alumnus
1865
Bowie State University
Dr. Karl Brockenbrough, Vice President for Administration and Finance
1865
Virginia Union University
Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO
1868
Hampton University
Mrs. Nicole Ross, Alumnus
1871
Smith College
Dr. Jill G. de Villiers, Professor of Psychology & Philosophy
1871
West Chester University
Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino, President
of Pennsylvania 1882
Virginia State University
Dr. Donald E. Palm, Provost & Vice President for Academic Af fairs
1884
Temple University
Ms. JoAnne A. Epps, Executive Vice President and Provost
1885
Bryn Mawr College
Jennifer L. Walters, Dean of Undergraduate College
1890
Savannah State University
Dr. F. Carl Walton, Vice President for Student Affairs
1892
Winston-Salem State University
Dr. Elwood L. Robinson, Chancellor
1920
Immaculata University
Barbara Lettiere, President
1935
Norfolk State University
Mr. Gerald Hunter, Vice President, Finance & Administration
Board of Trustees EX OFFICIO TRUSTEES Honorable Tom Wolf, Governor* Honorable Pedro Rivera, Secretary of Education Dr. Brenda A. Allen, President Mr. Robert A. Allen ’80 Robert L. Archie, Jr. ’65, Esq. Ms. Stephanie Mays Boyd Rachel E. Branson ’99, Esq. - Secretary Ms. Theresa R. Braswell ’84 - Chairlady Ms. Terri P. Dean - Vice Chair Ms. Dawn A. Holden ’00 Mr. Dimitrius M. Hutcherson Honorable Harry Lewis, Jr. Ms. Kimberly A. Lloyd ’94 Honorable Nathaniel C. Nichols Mr. Donald C. Notice ’79 Reverend Dr. Frances E. Paul ’79 Ms. Sandra F. Simmons Mr. James G. O. Sumner Mr. Dwight S. Taylor ’68 Honorable W. Curtis Thomas Dr. Deborah C. Thomas ’76 Mr. Kevin E. Vaughan Mr. Joseph V. Williams, Jr. ’68 Governor’s Representative* Honorable Andrew Dinniman Non-Voting Members
EMERITUS TRUSTEES Dr. William E. Bennett ’50 Dr. Walter D. Chambers ’52 Dr. Theodore Robb Mr. William A. Robinson ’42 Dr. Kenneth M. Sadler ’71
Inauguration Committee Ms. RaVonda Dalton-Rann, Co-chair Ms. Diane Brown, Co-chair Ms. Marion Bernard-Amos Ms. Kim Anderson Dr. Kimberly Taylor-Benns Mr. Brian Bernas Ms. Carol Black Mr. Alan Box Ms. Tiffani Brown Ms. Shari Burruss Mr. James Connor Professor Kennie Edwards Ms. Ruth Evans Dr. Dana Flint Mr. Neal Hough Ms. Ursula Graves Ms. Deborah Johnson Mr. Warren Johnson Ms. Kristen R. Kelley Ms. Jernice Lea Dr. Lenetta Lee Ms. Caprice Love Dr. Marlayne Manley Mr. Stephen McDaniel Ms. Shelley Mix Ms. Ramona Plummer Dr. Patricia Ramsey Mr. Mike Reed Ms. Sue Reed Ms. Vicki Reeves Ms. Catherine Rutledge Mr. Kavon Sengsourysack Ms. Glenda Slade Professor Sophia Sotilleo Ms. Maureen Stokes Dr. Charles Sutton Ms. Amy Taylor Ms. Jena Williams Ms. Leona Williams Dr. Roselle Wilson
MARSHALS Dr. Dana Flint, Head Marshal Prof. Kennie Edwards Ms. Jernice Lea Dr. Lenetta R. Lee Dr. Christine Limb Dr. Marlayne Manley
USHERS Ms. Celeste Cassidy Ms. Reachell Chambers Ms. Kathy Clark Ms. Donna Hess Ms. Janice Lombardo Ms. Jackie McNeil Ms. Lorrene Miller Ms. Diane Preske Ms. Valerie Reason Ms. Glynis Smith Ms. Nancy Stabler
Alma Mater by A. Dennee Bibb, 1911 Dear Lincoln, Dear Lincoln, To Thee we’ll e’er be true. The golden hours we spent beneath The dear old Orange and Blue, Will live for e’er in memory, As guiding stars through life; For thee, our Alma Mater dear, We’ll rise in our might. For we love ev’ry inch of thy sacred soil, Ev’ry tree on thy campus green; And for thee with our might We will ever toil That thou mightest be supreme. We’ll raise thy standard to the sky, Midst glory and honor to fly. And constant and true We will live for thee anew, Our dear old Orange and Blue. Hail! Hail! Lincoln.
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