April 28, 2024
In a celebration held on campus in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, President Braun was sworn in by university Board of Trustees Chairperson Scott Evans. The ceremony also included the presentation of several community, faculty, and student awards celebrating the inaugural theme of Innovation, Collaboration, and Learning.
“I share the opinion that guided earlier generations that Shawnee State is critical to the future of southern Ohio,” said President Braun in his inaugural address. “We must commit as a community to harnessing the full power of this institution, through our teachers and researchers, through our students and graduates, through our partnerships and programs. We can work together to advance the region through Innovation, Collaboration, and Learning.”
President Braun shared his investments and plans for the future of Shawnee State including the announcement of the creation of the College of Business & Engineering Technology and the College of Health & Human Services to leverage the demand in the region for prepared professionals meeting the needs of the community. Expanded partnerships with K-12 school districts and increased investments in programs within the College of Arts & Sciences were key initiatives shared by President Braun as well.
“We have a lot of work to do to evolve with the rapid pace of change,” said President Braun. “But we also have tremendous potential to leverage this institution, and this community, toward a brighter future where our children have hope, opportunity, and a clear path to leading happy and health lives and building prosperous families.”
Through the SSU Development Foundation, President Braun has established the new Presidential Scholarship Fund to provide direct financial support to students from the immediate region through full-tuition scholarships, housing aid, meal plan assistance, support for books and needed supplies. During the Inaugural Ball, held at Marting’s on Chillicothe Street on Apr. 20, over 450 supporters came together in support of fund. President Braun and Chief Advancement Officer Chris Moore announced at the event that the fund has raised over $105,000 to support student needs.
“The support for our new Presidential Scholarship is overwhelming,” said Moore. “I look forward to working on how else we can move forward in continuing to eliminate the cost of higher education through scholarship funds. I am proud to be engaged with so many supporters that share this common goal.”
To view photos and read more about Inauguration Weekend at Shawnee State University, or to support the Presidential Scholarship fund, visit shawnee.edu/inauguration.