Inauguration of University of Nevada, Reno President Marc Johnson takes place on the historic Quad
RENO, Nev. – The inauguration of Marc Johnson (Emporia State ’70) as the 16th president of the University of Nevada, Reno will carry on a long-held tradition. An audience of several hundred University faculty, staff, students and invited guests will convene on the University’s historic Quad for the event at 10 a.m. on Sept. 28.
The inauguration program includes the formal investiture conducted by Jason Geddes, chair of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, and Johnson will deliver his inaugural address. Music will be performed by the University of Nevada, Reno Symphony Orchestra, and the audience will be invited to join the Nevada Chamber Chorale in singing the University’s Alma Mater.
Johnson was named president of the University by the Board of Regents in April 2012, after serving as interim president since April 2011.
“It is a high honor to have been given this opportunity,” Johnson said.
During his tenure as president and interim president, the University has achieved its highest-ever enrollment, number of graduates, number of National Merit Scholars, student diversity and graduation rate. The University has maintained its top-tier ranking among the “nation’s best universities” by U.S. News & World Report.
Johnson represented the University in its move to the Mountain West Conference and last summer was named incoming chair of the Mountain West Board of Directors. While interim president, he established the University’s Office of Diversity Initiatives. Recent significant gifts to the University include a $5 million gift from Phil and Jennifer Satre to benefit the University of Nevada School of Medicine, College of Education and Wolf Pack Athletics, and $1.6 million from the Redfield Foundation to benefit the School of Medicine.
“I’m proud of where we are as a university, and I’m proud of the work all of our people have done,” said Johnson. “There is a spirit and resiliency about this University that carries us through. It has been immensely rewarding to see the commitment of our faculty, staff and friends, and the strong desire to support our future generations and improve the quality of this institution and, ultimately, the health and economic well-being of Nevada.”
Johnson joined the University as executive vice president and provost in 2008. As provost, often described as a university’s chief academic officer, Johnson was responsible for the academic units, including the colleges, schools and extended studies division, and the University’s outreach programs. He led the development of the University’s Strategic Plan in 2009, which provides an operational blueprint through 2015 and incorporates University-wide input.
