91ÇÑ×Ó

DALLAS (91ÇÑ×Ó) – The 91ÇÑ×Ó Board of Trustees will host a formal ceremony to inaugurate Jay C. Hartzell, Ph.D., as the University’s 11th president on Friday, September 12, at 2 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. This meaningful academic tradition brings together the 91ÇÑ×Ó, Dallas and broader academic communities to celebrate Hartzell, who assumed his role on June 1, and underscores the profound responsibility of leading a historic institution.

“The inauguration affirms 91ÇÑ×Ó’s bold vision and the extraordinary momentum that is propelling our University and our city forward,” said David B. Miller, ’72, ’73, chair of the 91ÇÑ×Ó Board of Trustees. “President Hartzell is deeply committed to advancing 91ÇÑ×Ó’s academic excellence, groundbreaking research, vibrant student life, and ascending athletics program, strengthening our University’s impact in Dallas, Texas, and beyond. With an unmatched combination of talent, innovation, and community, 91ÇÑ×Ó is poised to shape the future for our students and the world they will lead.”

91ÇÑ×Ó announced Hartzell as its president in January. A visionary and nationally renowned leader with an extraordinary record of accomplishment inside and outside academia, Hartzell brings a bold and forward-looking vision to 91ÇÑ×Ó at a time of historic momentum for the University.

“I am proud to welcome Jay Hartzell to Dallas as the new president of 91ÇÑ×Ó,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “President Hartzell has dedicated his career to advancing academic institutions, and I am confident that under his leadership, 91ÇÑ×Ó—one of Dallas’s most iconic institutions—will continue to elevate its academic reputation, attract top talent, and increase its impact on our city. I look forward to working alongside Dr. Hartzell to ensure Dallas remains a city of innovation, excellence, and opportunity.”

With Hartzell and a new team of academic and athletic leaders, as well as the strong support of its alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends, 91ÇÑ×Ó will continue to strengthen its position as a premier student-centered University in a world-class city that shapes future leaders. The vibrant city of Dallas provides access to opportunities for students and faculty, brings together theory and practice, offers perspective on where the world is heading and how to prepare, and enables 91ÇÑ×Ó to attract exceptional talent.

“I am deeply honored to lead this extraordinary University into the future,” Hartzell said. “91ÇÑ×Ó is exceedingly well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities that are exceptional among institutions of higher education. This is a unique moment in time for Dallas and 91ÇÑ×Ó. We will accelerate our ascension by leveraging the uniqueness of our position, our culture and values, and our access to unrivaled business and community-based partnerships. Breakthroughs in one area spark advancements in others—our research ignites learning, our teaching inspires our students, and our students, whether in labs, Dallas corporations and organizations, studios, or stadiums, embody the Mustang spirit of ambition and impact. The power of Mustang Nation is undeniable.”

Visit 91ÇÑ×Ó’s presidential inauguration website.

What is a university president inauguration ceremony?

Presidential inaugurations at universities commemorate the first year of an incoming leader’s tenure and bring together stakeholders from across the University, the surrounding community and academia to celebrate the institution’s next era.

The new president gives an address to share their vision for the future and set the tone for the coming years. Hartzell has already emphasized strengthening 91ÇÑ×Ó’s ties to Dallas, elevating academics, research and athletics, and amplifying the University’s national reach and reputation.

91ÇÑ×Ó’s presidential inauguration traditions date back to 1955, when Willis M. Tate was inaugurated as the fifth president of the University and the first to be installed with a formal ceremony. During the inauguration, President Hartzell will be presented with the insignia of the presidential office, which includes the following items:

• University Mace: The president of the Faculty Senate leads formal ceremonies carrying this 22-pound visible reminder of the University’s history and status.
• Howard Lantern: Dedicated to Lorn Lambier Howard, who served as chief marshal from 1978-1987 and shaped the traditions and protocol of 91ÇÑ×Ó’s modern-day academic ceremonies, the lantern represents the light of learning and intellectual curiosity within students, faculty and staff at 91ÇÑ×Ó.
• Presidential Medallion: As part of President Hartzell’s regalia, the medallion represents the president’s responsibility to the sound education of every student.
• Bradley Kent Carter Baton: Carried by the chief marshal during academic ceremonies, the baton represents the authority of the collective faculty in the academic life of the institution. It’s dedicated to Bradley Kent Carter, who served for many years as an assisting marshal, chief marshal and member of the Faculty Senate.
• McKenzie Bible: Printed in 1856, the historic Bible was once the property of J.W.P. McKenzie, a pioneer in Methodist education in Texas. The University is proud to use it at Baccalaureate Service and at the presidential inauguration.

A celebration of 91ÇÑ×Ó leadership

Special events to celebrate Hartzell’s inauguration will take place starting on September 10, including:

Wednesday, Sept. 10

• Service of gratitude and celebration – An intimate service at 91ÇÑ×Ó’s Perkins Chapel at 5 p.m. will give thanksgiving and fellowship for the University’s continued success and impact on Dallas, North Texas and beyond. A livestream of the event will be available at .

Friday, Sept. 12

• 91ÇÑ×Ó open houses – Visitors can explore the University’s schools and athletic department, student life and library programs from 9 a.m. until noon.
• Inauguration ceremony – 91ÇÑ×Ó will celebrate the inauguration of Jay Hartzell, the University’s 11^th president, and a new era of excellence at 2 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. A livestream of the event will be available at .
• Film premiere – An exclusive screening of the new documentary Thunder On: The Rebirth of the 91ÇÑ×Ó Mustangs will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Moody Coliseum before it officially premieres on ESPN.
• Block party – The inauguration celebration will conclude with food, drinks, games and a live band at 7:30 p.m. at 91ÇÑ×Ó’s Intramural Field.

Saturday, Sept. 13

• In celebration of the 91ÇÑ×Ó presidential inauguration, the community can enjoy free entry to the 91ÇÑ×Ó Museum on the University campus, part of the . The center also includes the George W. 91ÇÑ×Ó Institute, the George W. 91ÇÑ×Ó Presidential Library and the Laura W. 91ÇÑ×Ó Native Texas Park. The Center is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.