ITTA BENA, Miss.— Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) capped off its 2018 Founder’s Week by marking another important milestone in the legacy and advancement of the University—the installation of its eighth president, Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr.
Faculty, students, alumni, community members and higher education officials from across the state and nation gathered in MVSU’s Walter Roberts Auditorium Friday morning for the historic occasion.
During the investiture ceremony, Commissioner of Higher Education, Glenn F. Boyce and President of the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning, C.D. Smith Jr, formally invested Briggs with the responsibility and authority as president of MVSU.
“This is a special moment in the history of this outstanding institution,” said Boyce. Briggs is a man with a wealth of experience in higher education and truly understands students and the services and support they need to be successful both on campus and in life.”
Reflecting on the institution’s transformation from a cotton field into a flourishing institution of higher learning, Boyce said Briggs has the skillset needed to continue moving the University forward.
“His experiences throughout his career have prepared him perfectly for this moment,” he said. We’re fortunate to have a leader of his caliber to guide us and take us to a new point in history.”
During his inaugural address, Briggs accepted the charge and said he considers it a privilege to serve the University.
Noting the University’s humble beginnings in 1950, Briggs said he plans to continue building upon the University’s commitment and dedication to academic excellence.
“This is our Founder’s Week, and to have this ceremony now just shows, for me, that I’m standing on some very tall shoulders,” he said. There are some individuals who toiled and really worked to make sure that this institution was successful, and I owe a lot to them. They paved the way so that I can stand here today, and I’m just really blessed to be a part of this great institution.”
Briggs then shared his vision for the University, explaining the meaning behind his addition of “…IN MOTION” to the University’s mantra, “ONE GOAL. ONE TEAM. ONE VALLEY.”
Using an acronym, Briggs said “motion” stands for: Motivation, Optimistic, Time, Inspiration, Outspoken, and “No” is not the answer.
During the ceremony, family and friends shared reflections of Briggs and the special moments they’ve shared with him.
Others giving salutations during the ceremony included Carolyn McAdams, mayor of Greenwood,
“We’re very excited that Dr. Jerryl Briggs was chosen to take the lead at Mississippi Valley State University,” she said.
