Judith Bailey officially begins presidency
June 9, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- Dr. Judith I. Bailey officially took office today as the seventh president of Western Michigan University.
Bailey was recommended to succeed Dr. Elson S. Floyd as president on May 1 and confirmed by vote of the Board of Trustees on May 9. A formal inauguration ceremony is planned Sept. 3, at the start of fall semester, as part of the Centennial Kickoff Gala in Miller Auditorium.
During her first weeks in office, the new president has a full schedule of meetings and receptions with University and community leaders. She began her first day in office with an open letter to the University community.
To the WMU community:
It is with great pleasure that I begin my presidency at Western Michigan University at a time when we're preparing to celebrate a centennial anniversary and launch a new century of service to the state and nation.
Few places are as attuned to the importance of history as an institution of higher education. Indeed, in the academic setting, history is revered and the opportunity to mark a historical event has enormous appeal. The excitement and anticipation of the coming centennial celebration at WMU is adding a wonderful new dimension to our planning for the coming year.
I am also mindful of the fact that historical reflection and the celebration of past accomplishments are best enjoyed when shared with friends-both old and new. It is my hope that, as we enter this centennial year, all of us who are members of this University community will take advantage of every opportunity to share our excitement and invite the larger community into every aspect of our celebration.
As the new president of WMU, I feel both blessed and challenged by the legacy of those who led this University to its current stature. I am conscious of the contributions of those who came before and determined to build on what they have accomplished. I believe the past truly is prologue to a future that is unimaginably bright. It is a future we can build together.
I am eager to meet and get to know each member of this community in the coming months. You already have made me feel incredibly welcome, and I look forward to sharing with you the joy of many future accomplishments.
Judith I. Bailey
President
Western Michigan University
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Media contact: Matt Kurz, 269 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu