ODU’s Brian Hemphill inaugurated as president
Brian O. Hemphill was inaugurated as Old Dominion University’s ninth president during a ceremony Friday morning at Chartway Arena. Hemphill took the helm in July 2021.
Numerous representatives of local, state and federal government attended, as well as many of Hemphill’s family members, friends and colleagues in academia.
“Today is a celebration of our storied history and our lasting legacy, a reflection of our proud traditions and, last but certainly not least, anticipation for our bold and promising future,” Hemphill said during his inaugural address.
Hemphill said ODU has a reputation for providing access and opportunity to the community, and that to continue its critical work it must continue being student-centered, involve faculty in the governance of the university, and remain forward-focused.
“Ultimately, higher education’s purpose is to equip students for success in life, the workplace, and the communities they will call home,” he said.
Hemphill and many of the speakers at the ceremony spoke of the challenges facing higher education.
“The truth is that higher education is operating under an industrial model in a post-industrial society,” Hemphill said.
He added that the speed with which most universities will evolve to meet the current and future needs of their communities is not sufficient.
“It’s clear, we must be innovative in order to thrive,” he said. “The universities that engage in innovative approaches and visionary changes will remain at the forefront during these challenging times. And I commit to you that Old Dominion University will be one of those leading institutions.”
Bruce Bradley, rector of the ODU Board of Visitors, spoke at the event.
“Those of us on the search committee agree we could not have chosen any one more perfect to lead ODU than Brain,” Bradley said.
He added that Hemphill has the qualities of an effective leader.
“He is hardworking, confident, inspiring and yet humble,” Bradley said.
E. Gordon Gee, president of West Virginia University, gave the keynote address. Gee has served as a university president for more than 40 years.
“I learned that our role as leaders is to make things right before they go wrong,” he said.
Gee said it is important for a university leader to engage the entire campus in asking about the true purpose of the institution.
“The true reason we are all here is to launch ideas that will make the world a better place,” he said.
Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com
