Karen A. Holbrook was officially sworn in as Ohio State’s 13th president and the first of the 21st century at her investiture ceremony yesterday.
In her address, Holbrook stressed the importance of continuing her vision to turn OSU into a research-based academic institution, something she said will enhance the quality of the undergraduate experience and the university in general.
Holbrook recited the oath of office before faculty, staff, students, alumni and distinguished guests from other universities and the Columbus area. The OSU Board of Trustees presented her with a presidential medallion, first given in 1970 to commemorate the university’s centennial.
The ceremony was originally scheduled for mid-April but was rescheduled because of the April 13 fire that killed five students, said Elizabeth Conlisk, spokeswoman for Ohio State.
Even though Holbrook has been the acting president since October 2002, the ceremony is usually conducted after the first year of a presidency, Conlisk said.
“This is so the president can assess the state of the university before the address,” she said.
In her address, Holbrook tearfully thanked her friends and family before outlining the strengths of the Academic Plan, mainly the desire to turn Ohio State into a research-based university. She said she does not believe doing this the university compromises other areas of study, like teaching and learning.
“I am committed to research as one of our top priorities,” she said.
Besides making the curriculum based in research, some other guidelines of the plan include encouraging diversity and change, improving undergraduate programs and sponsoring pre-collegiate programs.
Holbrook also said it is important that the university attract and retain outstanding faculty, people who she said are the backbone of any great university.
By achieving these goals, Holbrook said the university will become more attractive to potential students and therefore make the university even more prestigious and successful.
“Our combined strengths will allow no limits to our success,” she said.
Holbrook said her first impression of OSU was that it was large, but well-connected.
“(OSU is) one university, many campuses, but so much more,” she said. “Buckeyes truly are everywhere.” She said all aspects of the large university must strive for excellence in all areas.
James F. Patterson, the past chairman of the Board of Trustees and who was involved with the decision to hire Holbrook, spoke about the challenge of finding OSU’s next president. He said there were many strict guidelines he and others in the decision-making process were looking for. Some of these things included intellect, self-confidence and a passion for OSU. Holbrook fit the description perfectly, he said.
“We found the one person who could exceed (our guidelines),” Patterson said. “We finally found the one person we can welcome as a Buckeye.”
Also speaking at the ceremony were representatives from the student body, faculty, staff, alumni and citizens and public officials of Ohio, including Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer of the Ohio Supreme Court.
George Wang, a senior in molecular genetics, spoke on behalf of the students at OSU. He welcomed Holbrook and encouraged her to take an active role in student relations.
“We ask you, President Holbrook, to interact with the students of this university,” he said.
