September 6, 2024
Columbia College marked the traditional return to academia for the new school year on Thursday, September 5, 2024, with a Convocation ceremony at Cottingham Theatre. All students, faculty, and staff were invited to attend.
The ceremony began with an invocation and prayer offered by Rev. Fadetra Boyd, Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life at Columbia College.
In his words of welcome, Dr. John H. Dozier remarked that convocation is a centuries-old tradition in higher education that offers Columbia College community members the opportunity to reflect on the purpose of and affirm their collective commitment to education. He reminded attendees that they are not just individuals but members of a community.
“We are given the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the world around us,” said Dozier in his remarks.
He also poignantly reminded students, faculty, and staff that in this particular year and political season, students will have the opportunity to understand the value of a liberal arts education through the practice of critical thinking while exercising respectful, compassionate care with one another.
“If we don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we will fall to the level of our training,” said Dozier, as he encouraged attendees to renew their deep commitment to practicing who they are as Columbia College Koalas.
Following Dr. Dozier, Dr. Kristine Barnett, Provost, also welcomed those in attendance, as well as 11 new faculty members to campus. She then led the students in reciting Columbia College’s Honor Pledge.
Maddi Rabon, a senior and executive officer of the College’s student government association, then introduced Dr. Cornell Sneed, Assistant Professor of Sports Management, who joined Columbia College’s faculty in 2023 and also earned the College’s 2024 Student Choice Award.
Dr. Sneed’s remarks included thoughts about his own academic journey, the importance of finding mentors, and urged students to draw on their own resilience.
“The same resiliency that brought you here will keep you here,” Sneed said.
After attendees sang Columbia College’s Alma Mater, led by Dr. Diana Amos, Associate Professor of Music, Rev. Boyd offered a benediction, and faculty members recessed from Cottingham Theatre, marking a significant start to a successful academic year ahead.