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Dr. Alan G. Walker inaugurated as Upper Iowa University president

Fayette – Dr. Alan G. Walker was inaugurated on Friday, October 8, as the 20th President of Upper Iowa University at the Fayette campus. Founded in 1857, UIU is the largest private college based in the state of Iowa . “My family and I came to Upper Iowa University and the community of Fayette a few short months ago having traveled a long and winding road that took us to many places, and it is only fitting that we should end up in Iowa, where my ancestors came as early settlers in the 1850s,” said Walker.

The university bells tolled promptly at 9:30 a.m. , signaling a colorful academic procession to begin its march across UIU’s main quad at the heart of the 100-acre campus. The pageant was led by piper Craig Hazelbaker and consisted of over 130 individuals, which included Upper Iowa Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, student ambassadors and delegates from other colleges and universities.

Inside Dorman Memorial Gymnasium, alumni, students and guests gathered to celebrate the occasion. After a ceremonious posting of colors by American Legion Post 339 from Fayette, soloist John O. Falb of West Union sang “You Raise Me Up” by Graham & Lovland and Rev. Peggy Ellingson, Pastor of Fayette’s United Methodist Church gave the invocation. Dr. Doug McReynolds, UIU Bissell Professor of English, read the poem “Flight”, which he wrote especially for the inauguration.

Howard Fischer ‘71, Chair of the Board of Trustees gave the welcoming address, followed by student government President LaCena Jones. Prior to the introduction of Dr. Walker, Fischer introduced keynote speaker Dr. Elson Floyd, President of the University of Missouri Systems in Columbia , Missouri .

Before addressing the gathering, Dr. Floyd complimented the Board of Trustees for selecting Dr. Walker saying, “You chose wisely.” Floyd has played an influential role in Walker ’s academic career and was instrumental in bringing him to Western Michigan , where he served as Vice Provost of Academic Affairs prior to coming to UIU. About Walker ’s appointment to UIU, Floyd said Walker told him, “I’m proud as a peacock.”

After the investiture, Dr. Walker spoke about his vision for Upper Iowa University , “We must be able to offer the best of what is old and new. I believe we can achieve our mission to provide education for education’s sake, to graduate well-rounded individuals that contribute to society, to promulgate tolerance and understanding, an appreciation of the arts and sciences, in the finest tradition of a liberal arts education, even if our students do view their education as a means to an end.”

Speaking on what will make Upper Iowa University continue to grow and be successful, Walker said, “Those institutions that will be successful in the future will be those that find ways to be responsive to the needs of society while maintaining their core values and principles. Those institutions that will be successful in the future will be those that preserve, embrace and celebrate a rich heritage, whose roots are strong, but who also reach out and find new ways of providing education for its own sake in this highly commoditized world we live in.”

An integral part of the ceremony was the presentation of UIU’s Articles of Incorporation and the Presidential Medallion. The Articles were adopted on March 12, 1856 and duly signed and recorded in the county Fayette Court House on April 7 of that same year. In accepting the Articles of Incorporation from the Board of Trustees, Dr. Walker accepts responsibility for carrying out all elements of same.

The Presidential Medallion is made of gold, symbolizing the preciousness of the institution entrusted to the President’s charge; its weight symbolizes the seriousness of that charge. It is worn by the President of Upper Iowa University on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of the commitment he has made to the institution. It bears the seal of the University, which features an open book, the date of the institution’s founding (1857), and the Latin motto, “Deo Duce,” which means “God Leads.” Inscribed around the perimeter of the medallion are the words, “President of the University.”

Prior to becoming President of Upper Iowa University, Dr. Walker was Vice Provost of Academic Affairs at Western Michigan University . He has over twenty years of progressively responsible administrative and leadership experience in postsecondary and higher education, including administrative positions at Louisiana State University , the University of Kansas , and the Idaho State Division of Vocational Education.

During his career, Dr. Walker has also held key leadership positions in international professional associations and has been an international consultant and guest lecturer. He has also been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Kansas , Louisiana State University-Eunice, Arkansas Technical University , and Western Michigan University , where he held Associate Graduate Faculty status. He also served as a member of the Board of Visitors for the Emergency Management Institute at the Federal Emergency Management Agency from 1999 to 2002, and currently serves on an advisory board for the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill .

Dr. Walker has authored and presented numerous trade journal articles and papers. During his distinguished career, he has also received many awards, recognitions, and honors, including the International Inaugural Visiting Fellowship to the Fire Service College in England in 1995 and membership in Phi Kappa Phi, an academic honor society. He holds degrees in Fire Science (AS), College of Southern Idaho , Trade and Industrial Technical Education (BS), University of Idaho , Adult/Vocational Education (MEd), University of Idaho , and Higher Education Policy and Administration (PhD), University of Kansas .

The program concluded with the singing of The Alma Mater, led by Brandi Woodson Shrubb ‘00.

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Upper Iowa Univeristy
Public Relations
Sheila Miller, Assistant Director
563-425-5326
millers@uiu.edu

Upper Iowa University
Public Relations
P.O. Box 1859
Fayette, IA 52142-1859