Alabama State University President Sworn In
After six months on the job, Alabama State University President Gwendolyn takes the oath of office.
It happened at an inauguration ceremony on campus Friday. Hundreds were there for the event. Several told us they hope is signals change at a critical time
After a weeklong slate of activities, Alabama State University’s inauguration events wrapped up with Gwendolyn Boyd taking the oath of office. She’s the fourteenth president and the first woman on the job. She said she hopes it sends a message to students.
“It says there are no limits, no boundaries, no glass ceilings, everything’s been shattered, that these young women can be and do anything they want to be,” said Boyd.
Boyd comes during a time of change at ASU. Its last president, Joseph Silver, left in 2012, saying there was financial mismanagement at the school. Last October, Governor Robert Bentley released the results of a forensic audit he had ordered, which showed some university officials misusing money. In July, Bentley called for the resignations of Board of Trustee Chairman Elton Dean and Vice Chair Marvin Wiggins. Dean resigned. Bentley removed Wiggins after he refused to step down.
Boyd told us she didn’t want to talk about the university’s past problems.
“I’m just excited that we’re lifting the university, we’re moving forward, that we have support, that people have come from all over the country, our alumni are here, they’re excited about where we’re getting ready to go, so we’re excited for this day,” said Boyd.
Boyd said she is working with the university Board of Trustees on the university’s path forward. She said ASU is launching a capital campaign to raise money for scholarships and university programs.
