Stillman College President Peter Millet used part of his inaugural address Friday to reaffirm his vision for the private college as a premier academic institution that is engaged in the community and serving students no matter their backgrounds.
"I have lofty goals and big dreams for Stillman," Millet said.
Millet was named the sixth president of the small private college last summer. The college celebrated his inauguration this week with a series of events including a masked ball fundraiser and health and service days, reflecting two core initiatives of his first year in office.
Representatives from the Stillman board of trustees, local and county government, the higher education community, faculty and staff, student body, and the Tuscaloosa community were present to celebrate Millet's investiture. The group praised Millet's leadership since his appointment and pledged to be partners moving forward.
University of Alabama President Judy Bonner and Alabama Community College System Chancellor Mark Heinrich promised support from the higher education community.
"I predict with Dr. Millet's steady hand at wheel of this magnificent college, it is about to embark on one of the most transformational periods in its long history," Bonner said.
Heinrich noted the existing academic agreements forged between Stillman and the two-year system under Millet's tenure, as he looked to the future.
"We pledge the Alabama Community College System … to be a good partner with you in advancing the overall education mission of our great state," Heinrich said.
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Jim Page, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, praised Millet's leadership and collaboration in the community.
"As he walks forward, he will not be doing it alone. The faculty will be with him. The students will be with him. The city of Tuscaloosa will be with him. Most certainly as your mayor, I will be with him," Maddox said.
Dennis Driver, Stillman board of trustees chairman, administered the oath of office to Millet during the ceremony.
During his address, Millet said the college must be excellent in academics, community engagement, health and wellness, and morality as it pursues eminence.
"We believe in the words of Nelson Mandela that education is the most powerful weapon we have to change the world," Millet said.
Accordingly, Millet noted Stillman was reducing its tuition in the fall to make college more affordable. Millet also said the college was working on academic programs targeting state prison inmates, the Hispanic community and other non-tradition student groups.
"We must meet students where they are and help guide them to their destiny," Millet said. "I believe Stillman is the liberal arts of the 21st century."
Millet used the successes of Stillman alumni in an array of fields as examples. He encouraged the audience to imagine what the future graduates might do with educations from the small private college.
"The Stillman student to your left might be the next Alabama teacher of the year, the student to your right might find the cure to cancer," Millet said.
Millet envisions the private college as an active partner in a vibrant west end of Tuscaloosa, with new businesses, student housing and other development.
"Stillman must remain active in beneficial relationships with the community," Millet said.
The vision of community service includes being advocates for what is morally right.
"We must serve our community by fighting at all times for what it right. We must be a drum major for justice; we must be a drum major for change …" Millet said.
Millet encouraged students to let their individual expectations be the only limiting factors in the vision for their futures.
"Success doesn't have anything to do with your environment — it has to do with your expectations," Millet said. "Inside each of you is the power to overcome all obstacle."
Reach Ed Enoch at ed.enoch@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0209.