The inauguration ceremony for the 21st president of Rhodes College was held on October 21, 2023, in the Bryan Campus Life Center. The Rhodes community celebrated with a full schedule of events during Inauguration Weekend.
President Jennifer Collins
Jennifer M. Collins was named the 21st president of Rhodes College on Dec. 6, 2021, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. An inspiring leader, beloved educator, and committed proponent of the value of the liberal arts, she had served since 2014 as the Judge James Noel Dean and professor of law at Southern Methodist University. Read more ...
Inaugural Ceremony and Address
Deborah Legg Craddock '80, P '12, Chair, Rhodes College Board of Trustees, presided over the inauguration of President Collins. To read the full text of President Collins' inauguration speech, please visit Inaugural Address.
Enjoy photos of all the events of Inauguration Weekend!
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 20, 2023
CAMPUS-WIDE CELEBRATORY LUNCH
Featuring Memphis-Inspired Dishes
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Catherine Burrow Refectory
INAUGURAL TALKS
Featuring Rhodes Faculty
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reception immediately following
Blount Auditorium, Buckman Hall
- Lit Matters
Marshall Boswell, Professor of English - Study Abroad: It’s Not Just for Students
Cara Djonko-Moore, Associate Professor of Educational Studies - Collaborating with Plants, AI, and Machines to Make Art
Karl Erickson, Assistant Professor of Art - Breaking Barriers: A Journey into Novel Antibiotic Development
Elaine Frawley, Associate Professor of Biology and
Larryn Peterson, Associate Professor of Chemistry - Research, Action, and Rhodes:
Liberal Arts on the Streets of Memphis
Peter Hossler, Associate Professor of Urban Studies - The Impact of Emotional Labor on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Professionals, and What Organizations Can Do About It
Kelly Pledger Weeks ’92, P’27, Associate Professor of Business
Saturday, October 21, 2023
INAUGURATION CEREMONY
9:30 a.m.
Bryan Campus Life Center
Check-in for delegates and program participants begins at 8:30 a.m.
INAUGURATION BRUNCH RECEPTION
Immediately Following the Ceremony
Crain Reception Hall and McCallum Ballroom
Second Floor, Bryan Campus Life Center
STUDENT INAUGURAL BALL
McCallum Ballroom
Bryan Campus Life Center
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
SPECIAL LIGHTING OF THE HERNANDO DE SOTO BRIDGE
In recognition of Rhodes 175th anniversary and to welcome President Collins, the Hernando de Soto Bridge will be lit Red for Rhodes!