Patterson-Randles installed as IU Southeast's chancellor

Sandra Patterson-Randles became IU Southeast's sixth leader at a ceremony on the New Albany campus in October

Last October, IU President Myles Brand (right) applauded IU Southeast Chancellor Sandra Patterson-Randles at her formal installation ceremony on the New Albany campus.

Then-IU President Myles Brand presided over the installation, praising Patterson-Randles' vast array of achievements and demonstration of leadership during her previous positions as vice president for academic affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and as chair of the Department of

Modern Languages at Western State College in Gunnison, Colo.

Also seated on the platform were the three living retired chancellors of IU Southeast: F.C. Richardson (1996-2002), Leon Rand (1986-1996) and Edwin Crooks (1966-1986).

With the IU Southeast Brass Ensemble accompanying her, Melinda Cumberledge, adjunct professor of voice at IUS, sang the national anthem before the ceremony and closed with the alma mater.

Speakers extending welcomes from the campus were Deborah Finkel, president of the IU Southeast Faculty Senate and professor of psychology; Aebeer Mallick, president of student government; Kathleen Norvell, president of IU Southeast's Staff Council; Kirk Klaphaak, a professional staff representative; Thomas Fields, vice president of IU Southeast's Alumni Association; and Barbara Popp, president of IU Southeast's Board of Advisors.

Assisted by the ceremony's grand marshal, Gilbert Atnip, Frederick Eichhorn Jr., president of the IU Trustees, and Stephen Ferguson, vice president, placed the chancellor's mantle around Patterson-Randles' shoulders.

"Sandra Patterson-Randles, the responsibilities of stewardship are well known to you," said Brand. "Your education—and your experience as an academic administrator—have prepared you for the leadership of this campus of Indiana University."

In her remarks, Patterson-Randles reflected on the impact her experiences as a professor have had on her students, who have made an effort to keep in touch with her. "They manage to find me wherever I go, and the very fact that they like to, as they very often put it, 'touch base with me,' tells me so very clearly of the impact that education has had on their lives," she said.

In turn, the newly installed chancellor recognized her past professors and colleagues who have inspired her career in academe. A number of them attended the ceremony—some came from as far away as Colorado and Rhode Island.

Patterson-Randles praised the faculty, staff, students and alumni of her new campus. "I have heard dozens of stories of how education at Indiana University Southeast has nurtured the minds and characters of a wide array of people and has set their feet on the paths which now allow them in their own ways to contribute meaningfully to society and the lives of others," she said.

Of her vision for IU Southeast, Patterson-Randles emphasized the continued engagement of community support as the university faces the challenges of continued enrollment growth while efficiently managing resources.

"We will be innovative and far visioned in our approaches, and we will deliver a high caliber education to our students based upon sound, comprehensive, long-range strategic planning," she said. "We are and will continue to be 'the people's university' and, as such, we will act in service to humanity in all regards."

More photos of the October ceremony.