Dr. Jeffrey S. Vitter Inaugurated as Ole Miss’ 17th Chancellor

A “toe tapping” introduction of newly inaugurated University of Mississippi Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter’s favorite jazz tunes played while welcoming all in attendance at today’s historic investiture event. Students, faculty and supporters filled the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts auditorium with applause. This final event marked Vitter’s inauguration as the 17th chancellor of the University of Mississippi.

The 3 p.m. inauguration’s theme, which was personally selected by Vitter, titled “The Power of Higher Education to Transform Lives, Communities and World,” suitably reflected his core values and his emphasis over has past 10 months since taking office. Vitter has continuously stressed the importance of working closely with the student body, faculty, alumni and other communities of the university.

Special guests included two former Chancellors, Robert Khayat and Gerald Turner, along with United States Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker. Mississippi’s Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn were in attendance along with the Mayor of Oxford, Pat Patterson.

“This is historic, [Vitter] takes the reigns today with a lot of history and good will behind him,” said Wicker during Vitter’s inaugural event. Wicker recalled important moments in the University’s history over the years, highlighting many of the successes of previous chancellors.

Wicker said, “His job is straightforward. Keep this historic university a place where Faulkner and Welty and Willie Morris can co-exist with cutting-edge technology, where that special place, that special idea known as Ole Miss continues to lead the way for our state, our nation and our planet.”

Gunn spoke on Vitter’s character, explaining, “Dr. Vitter is that leader,” and that his accomplishments go far beyond what can be written on paper. “He is far more than his qualifications. He is a man of passion,” Gunn said.

Concentrating on the strengths of the university and communicative vision for future progress, Vitter explained he will continue “building a vibrant Mississippi,” and expressed his thanks to many of the Ole Miss family.

“We all stand on the shoulders that came here before,” Vitter said.

At the beginning of Vitter’s speech, he talked about his late parents in a heartfelt message. Vitter also emotionally expressed how much his family has impacted him on his journey through life. He especially thanked his wife, Sharon and spoke proudly about his children. They, along with members of their extended family, were introduced to the crowd.

During his speech, Vitter continued to echo the theme of the investiture, saying, “there is nothing more important than higher education.”

Cochran also spoke on Vitter’s ability to impact the University’s future.

“I am confident Dr. Vitter will lead us to new heights,” Cochran said. “I look forward to working and building on these successes with Chancellor Vitter,”

Associated Student Body President Austin Powell called Vitter “inspiring,” and said he has continuously shown the student body that he is honorable with good intentions for the university’s future.

According to Ole Miss Communications, “The investiture of a university chancellor formally installs the institution’s highest-ranking officer, confers upon him the ceremonial accouterments of office, and gives the larger academic and civic communities an opportunity to convene and celebrate their shared values.”

During the ceremony, Vitter was also presented with University Key, which has been held as an “ancient symbol of ownership, representing the responsibility of stewardship for university resources both human and material,” according to the university. Vitter also received several other presentations from significant representatives of the university. The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning appointed Vitter chancellor on Oct. 29, 2015 and Vitter officially took office on Jan. 1, 2016.

Leading up to the inauguration, the university encouraged students, faculty and visitors to engage in this historical event. Classes were canceled by the university from 2:15 p.m. until 5 p.m., assuring students had the opportunity to attend the event. Previous events held during this month-long celebration of the Chancellor’s inauguration included the UM Innovation and Entrepreneurship Panel, held Friday, Nov. 10 at Holman Auditorium and the International Reception on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the Inn at Ole Miss. The university also encouraged the use of social media for participants sharing the inauguration events choosing #PowerofHigherEd, keeping with the theme of the investiture.

Before coming to Ole Miss, some of Vitter’s highest acknowledgments include serving as University of Kansas provost, executive vice chancellor and being named a Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor, according to Ole Miss communications.

Vitter, who is originally from New Orleans, graduated with highest honors from the University of Notre Dame in 1977 in the study of mathematics and went on to earn his Ph.D. in computer science at Stanford University in 1980. Vitter also earned an MBA from Duke University.

Vitter and his wife Sharon have three children, Jillian, Scott and Audrey who were born n Providence, Rhode Island and went on to follow in their father’s footsteps, attending Notre Dame.

Vitter announced several new initiatives in his speech. HottyToddy.com will be bringing our readers more information on these initiatives in the coming weeks.

By Chandler Morgan is a student of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media. She can be reached at chandlermorgannews@gmail.com.