Inauguration

Inauguration of Dr. Rosemary A. Allen as 26th GC President

Georgetown College inaugurated Rosemary A. Allen, Ph.D., as the first woman president of the College in its 193-year history. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders across the Commonwealth gathered at John L. Hill Chapel to witness the historic event on September 30. The ceremony capped off several days of inauguration events in honor of Dr. Allen, whose 38 years with the College led to this moment. Dr. Allen spent her first 20 years as a member of the English faculty. In 2004, she became the first woman to serve as Chief Academic Officer when she was named Provost. In that role, she administered all academic program functions and served as the College’s liaison with its accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The art exhibition, “WOMEN: Looking Through the Eyes of Women at Georgetown College,” was on display at the Ensor Learning Resource Center during inauguration week to celebrate the history of women at Georgetown College. The exhibit was created by Galleries Director/Curator Aaron Reynolds and his Curatorial Studies Class.

Executive Cabinet, left to right: Bethany Langdon, Brian Evans, Rush Sherman, Jonathan Sands Wise, Rosemary Allen, John Davis, Sally Wiatrowski, Curtis Sandberg, and Linda Olsen.

Reverend Molly Shoulta Tucker ’13, pastor of Ridgewood Baptist Church in Louisville, spoke at a special chapel service a few days before the inauguration with a message of renewal and hope for the future of Georgetown College under President Allen’s leadership. The service included Dr. Allen’s favorite hymns by the GC chorale and musical accompaniment by pianist Glenna Metcalfe ’85 and flutist Elizabeth King.

The College partnered with Country Boy Brewing, owned by GC alumni, to host a community event where President Allen got to catch up with alumni and friends from Scott County and beyond. On the day before the inauguration, a willow oak was dedicated on Giddings Lawn honoring this historic inauguration. The tree will serve as a reminder of President Allen’s deep roots and longstanding commitment to GC. A special thanks to Jennifer (Lonsway) Wilson ’93, owner of Wilson Plant Company, for donating the tree. In the evening, GC welcomed back to campus former GC President M. Dwaine Greene, Ph.D., and surprised him with the unveiling of his official portrait painted by Professor of Art Dr. Boris Zakić. The official inauguration ceremony was held on September 30 in the John L. Hill Chapel. Hundreds of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members were in attendance. Speakers included: Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear; President of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities OJ Oleka; Alumni Board Chair Alan Redditt ’00; First Baptist Church Maddoxtown Pastor John Travis ’79; Board of Trustees Chair Robert L. Mills ’67; Faculty Chair Cliff Wargelin; and Student Government Association President Riley Davis. The Presidential Chain of Office was placed on President Allen by Board of Trustees members Granetta Blevins ’80 and Michelle Pedigo ’90, making her the 26th President of Georgetown College .

Board of Trustees with President Allen. Back row, left to right: B.I. Houston, Jane Cutter, Horace P. Hambrick, Bob Baker, Guthrie True. Middle, left to right: John Ward, Tracey Clark, Michelle Pedigo, Granetta Blevins, Meocha Williams, David Lee, Frank Penn. Front, left to right: John Blackburn, John Travis, Robert Mills, President Rosemary Allen, Guthrie Zaring, Kenny Davis, Randy Fox.

Board member John Travis expresses his excitement for President Allen.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Robert Mills and President Allen, in front of Giddings Hall.

Governor Andy Beshear shares a moment with President Allen, just before the innauguration ceremony.