Pierce inaugurated in celebration of college

By Jesse Bishop
Editor

      In a ceremony marked by emotions of reverence and humor, Board of Regents' Chancellor, Dr. Tom Meredith, officially installed Dr. J. Randy Pierce as the new president of Georgia Highlands College.
Pierce said, ï¿½This is about the institution, not an individual.ï¿½
With that in mind, Pierce set the tone of the inauguration, April 12, by addressing delegates during brunch at Margretta Hall in downtown Rome. Pierce told those in attendance that the day was about Georgia Highlands College and how everyone should celebrate such an important part of the community.
      Pierce said that there could be ï¿½no greater capstone of (his) careerï¿½ than to lead Floyd College.
      During the formal ceremony, at 1:30 p.m., Pierce gave an emotional and reverent speech about his education, saying, ï¿½I didn't even know why I was in college, but, thankfully, someone else did know, and I thank those people.ï¿½
      Pierce is the product of Middle Georgia College, a two-year unit of the University System of Georgia, much like Georgia Highlands College.
      During the ceremony, Meredith charged Pierce with the responsibility of taking care of faculty, staff, students and the community.
      Meredith said, ï¿½Students are counting on you to make sure they are ready for anything they face after this.ï¿½
      Several members of the procession welcomed Pierce and many told anecdotes or made inspirational comments.
      Dr. Harvey Moody, associate professor of chemistry, was the faculty representative for the ceremony, and also served as chair for the Presidential Search Committee. Moody told the audience that they chose Pierce because the committee felt Pierce could connect with the students.
      Carey Ingram, pastor of Lovejoy Baptist Church, gave the opening inspirational message, though the entire ceremony was full of inspiration.
      Many institutions, offices and community members were represented in the ceremony.
      Former governor Joe Frank Harris was on hand to welcome Pierce on behalf of the Board of Regents, where he serves as vice chair.
      Pierce understands the importance of the role of education and Georgia Highlands College in the community, according to Harris.
      Also present was Dr. Scott Colley, Berry College president. Colley will be the speaker at Floyd College's graduation ceremony on May 11.
      Rob Watts, former interim president for Georgia Highlands College, introduced Pierce.
      Watts' rhetoric was light-hearted and filled with humor. Pierce said, jokingly, that he picked his own poison when he didn't tell Watts exactly what to say.
      Those attending, many of whom could be seen stifling hearty belly laughs, enjoyed the witty humor of Watts immensely.
      ï¿½I'm not used to standing at this podium without a laptop,ï¿½ Watts said.
      Watts said someone asked him if Pierce had vision. ï¿½I don't know,ï¿½ he said, ï¿½but he does have insight, and we all know that over time, vision fades and over time, insight deepens.ï¿½
      Watts' sharp and entertaining speech was considered to be one of the brightest points of the ceremony.
      Another highlight came when Dr. David McCorkle took the podium.
      McCorkle was the first president of the college, serving from 1970 until his retirement in 1991.
      McCorkle was met with a standing ovation and said, ï¿½I am very impressed with Randy (Pierce) and I think the direction the college is heading is wonderful.ï¿½
      Representing the students for the ceremony were Teela Davis, current student, and Laura Adams, alumna. Adams challenged Pierce by saying, ï¿½We (students) love our school and we charge you to take care of our school.ï¿½
      Pierce was chosen to lead Floyd College into a new phase of development, one of growing technology and expanding campuses.
      Dr. Penny Wills, vice president of student development, said, ï¿½We can think of no better person to lead us.ï¿½
      Pierce said, ï¿½I remember a compassionate dean of students, Jim Goodwin, at Dekalb College (now Georgia Perimeter College), saying, 'You can do this.'ï¿½
      Pierce certainly has done it, rising to the top of one of the state's fastest growing colleges.
      The ceremony was part of a weeklong schedule of events that included Spring Fling, an art show and a performance by a Czech dance group.
      The inaugural committee was headed by Sandy Briscar, director of public information.
      Other members of the committee were Dr. Virginia Carson, vice president of academic affairs; Phyllis Weatherly, director of career and counseling services; Judy Taylor, advancement officer and secretary of Cartersville/Bartow College Foundation; Debbie Amason, assistant professor of nursing; Greg Sumner, assistant professor of criminal justice; Joannie Baker, senior secretary of public information; John Reiners, associate professor of business; Dr. Margaret Davis, professor of math; and Elizabeth Harrison, associate professor of developmental reading.
      Representing students were Jeremy Stewart, Student Government Association president, and Teela Davis, student Ambassador.
      A ï¿½kick-backï¿½ party, sponsored by the retirees, was held at the Cherokee Country Club in Cedartown to cap the day. All faculty, staff and guests were invited.

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Last Updated: 21 September 2001 - ep