MORRISVILLE, NY— Dr. David E. Rogers was formally installed as the eighth president of Morrisville State College on Nov. 20, 2015 during a ceremony that showcased the close-knit MSC community.
A processional of MSC faculty, staff and delegates in full regalia, student veterans and an honor guard, were among those who walked from the college’s iceplex to the recreation center to herald the inauguration of their new president who was appointed by The State University of New York Board of Trustees in June 2015.
A stage, adorned with flags and colossal floral displays created by the college’s horticulture students, provided a canvas for the formal ceremony, which included musical performances by the college’s select inaugural choir and the Mohawk Valley Chamber Brass Ensemble.
Special guests at the installation included delegates from more than 20 colleges and universities, members of the MSC College Council and Foundation Board, alumni, Ronald Ehrenburg, trustee of the State University of New York, former MSC President Raymond W. Cross, NYS Sen. David Valesky, NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.
President Rogers was joined by his wife Jan, their children, relatives, family and friends in the audience. Also gathering to show their support were MSC students clad in apparel bearing the names of their sport, student clubs and organizations.
The historic inaugural event was preceded by a week of celebrations in which students, faculty, staff and community members came together for dinners, receptions and a tree-lighting ceremony to honor the college’s Founders’ Day.
A long-standing leader whose commitment, scholarship and philanthropy to MSC have taken the college to new heights, Rogers’ inaugural address highlighted his plans to build on the qualities enshrined in the college’s mission.
“I am excited to begin this new journey for us all. I look forward to working with you and writing our next chapter,” he said.
Former MSC President Raymond W. Cross, now president of the University of Wisconsin System, was among those who spoke about Rogers’ deep affinity for the college, associating it with the college’s Mustang mascot.
“What makes Morrisville so special?” Cross asked. “I believe it is the spirit of the Mustang. Energetic, protective, yet ready to move at a moment’s notice…committed to the herd. That’s the Morrisville spirit and that’s the spirit we expect from our president.”
That commitment was amplified by others too.
“I know how much you love Morrisville and the students and the men and women who are part of your team—the faculty and staff,” DiNapoli said. “This is a great day for New York State and for Morrisville. It is a college that’s been on the move and we are really proud of the beauty of this campus.”
“David has earned respect for his integrity and commitment and has been a big part in what has moved this campus forward already,” DiNapoli said.
Danielle Gauthier, president of the MSC Student Government Organization, offered remarks on behalf of MSC students.
“The things that will allow you to be the best at your job are what we already see in you,” Gauthier said. “We are very lucky to have you as our president.”
Ronald Ehrenburg, trustee of the State University of New York, and President Rogers’ college mentor, also offered encouraging words. “David’s record of accomplishment at Morrisville indicates his only goal is to further the institution he is so passionate about.”
“The Board of Trustees and I are confident that, under your leadership in this institution pursuing the highest tradition of teaching, scholarship and public service, you will continue its dedication to the great State of New York, the nation and the world,” said Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor of the State University of New York.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests streamed into the John W. Stewart Center for Student Activities for an elaborate reception that featured hors d’oeuvres made by MSC hospitality students and Kerry Beadle, executive chef at the Copper Turret, a college-run restaurant, and chair of Morrisville State College’s Hospitality Technology Department.
About the president
During his tenure at MSC, President Rogers has worn many hats including provost, dean of the college’s School of Business, from 1999 to 2010, and interim dean of the Norwich Campus and the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Prior to Morrisville, Rogers was the director of Institutional Research and Planning at Onondaga Community College. He has held faculty positions at Ithaca College, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Le Moyne College.
An active leader in the national higher education community, he has served on numerous campus committees and community and college boards. He is vice president of the Madison County IDA and chair of its Governance Committee; a member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Advisory Board and serves on the board for Community Memorial Hospital, and Health Workforce, New York (HWNY).
Rogers earned his Ph.D. in labor economics, collective bargaining, and econometrics from the SUNY College of Industrial Labor Relations at Cornell University. He also holds a master’s degree from Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Morrisville State College’s curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.
The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2016 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2016 Best Colleges rankings.