Switzer Sworn In As First Female President Of Manchester College
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
NORTH MANCHESTER -ÊDonning an academic robe worn by Dr. R. Nelson Snider and then her father Dr. John F. Young, Jo Young Switzer officially became the first female president of Manchester College Saturday afternoon.
"All students deserve a good school," said Switzer in her acceptance speech in Cordier Auditorium. "I will do my best ... for Manchester College."
Switzer served as the vice president and dean of academic affairs at Manchester College for 11 years before assuming the position of president Dec. 1. She also taught at both Manchester College and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Switzer, who is the 14th person to hold the office, called the presidency "a precious legacy."
"You have an inspiring reputation as a leader," said Patricia S. Grant, civic leader of the presidential search committee. "You bring the best and brightest to North Manchester."
"We are very fortunate - we have known you as a classmate, a colleague, a mentor, a dean and now as our president," said Janis K. Fahs, chair of the faculty executive committee. Fahs then commended Switzer on her "open-minded and approachable administrative style."
According to J. Bentley Peters as he introduced her as president, "We unanimously agreed Dr. Switzer should be the next president of Manchester College."
Switzer stepped to the podium and received the Presidential Medallion, a silver-plated bronze medallion that is the symbol of the office of the college presidency. The medallion is placed on a necklace of silver-plated disks, each listing the name of a Manchester College president.
In her inaugural address, Switzer said schools that change students' lives have three characteristics.
"They grab students' attention ... They create an environment that has questions at the center ... (And) they prepare students for responsible citizenship," Switzer said.
She also addressed challenges all independent colleges currently face including financial aid, gas prices and healthcare.
"We face some very real challenges at Manchester College," said Switzer. "But we prepare graduates with ability and conviction, and we have done it this way since 1889."
She ended her address with a quote from Dag Hammarskjold that has been the theme for the events surrounding the inauguration.
"For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes!"
Switzer received her Ph.D and master's degree in communication studies from the University of Kansas. She authored books, instructional manuals and articles on communications and has given many presentations on teaching, communications and gender studies. Her teaching awards include the Outstanding New Teacher Award from Central State Communication Association and the FACET Award from Indiana University. She and her husband, Dave, reside at Tall Oaks, the presidential residence on the north edge of the Manchester College campus. [[In-content Ad]]
NORTH MANCHESTER -ÊDonning an academic robe worn by Dr. R. Nelson Snider and then her father Dr. John F. Young, Jo Young Switzer officially became the first female president of Manchester College Saturday afternoon.
"All students deserve a good school," said Switzer in her acceptance speech in Cordier Auditorium. "I will do my best ... for Manchester College."
Switzer served as the vice president and dean of academic affairs at Manchester College for 11 years before assuming the position of president Dec. 1. She also taught at both Manchester College and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Switzer, who is the 14th person to hold the office, called the presidency "a precious legacy."
"You have an inspiring reputation as a leader," said Patricia S. Grant, civic leader of the presidential search committee. "You bring the best and brightest to North Manchester."
"We are very fortunate - we have known you as a classmate, a colleague, a mentor, a dean and now as our president," said Janis K. Fahs, chair of the faculty executive committee. Fahs then commended Switzer on her "open-minded and approachable administrative style."
According to J. Bentley Peters as he introduced her as president, "We unanimously agreed Dr. Switzer should be the next president of Manchester College."
Switzer stepped to the podium and received the Presidential Medallion, a silver-plated bronze medallion that is the symbol of the office of the college presidency. The medallion is placed on a necklace of silver-plated disks, each listing the name of a Manchester College president.
In her inaugural address, Switzer said schools that change students' lives have three characteristics.
"They grab students' attention ... They create an environment that has questions at the center ... (And) they prepare students for responsible citizenship," Switzer said.
She also addressed challenges all independent colleges currently face including financial aid, gas prices and healthcare.
"We face some very real challenges at Manchester College," said Switzer. "But we prepare graduates with ability and conviction, and we have done it this way since 1889."
She ended her address with a quote from Dag Hammarskjold that has been the theme for the events surrounding the inauguration.
"For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes!"
Switzer received her Ph.D and master's degree in communication studies from the University of Kansas. She authored books, instructional manuals and articles on communications and has given many presentations on teaching, communications and gender studies. Her teaching awards include the Outstanding New Teacher Award from Central State Communication Association and the FACET Award from Indiana University. She and her husband, Dave, reside at Tall Oaks, the presidential residence on the north edge of the Manchester College campus. [[In-content Ad]]