Dr. Thomas Newsom was invested as the 11th president of Pittsburg State University on April 6 at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. Blake Benson, chairperson for the Kansas Board of Regents, had the honor of presenting Newsom with the presidential medallion. Additionally, there were a handful of speeches, including one from Governor Laura Kelly, as well as music from Pitt State’s brass ensemble and two music students, Chandler Goodman and Sara Flessner.
Newsom also gave a speech following his investiture. In Newsom’s speech, he spoke on many topics, with a focus on humility in leadership and a people-first philosophy. He stated that he wants Pittsburg State to “Become a university where people see something in others that they don’t see in themselves.”
Tyson Weber, a sophomore majoring in marketing, came to the investiture and thought Newsom’s speech was broad and effective.
“I thought it was really good,” Weber said. “He had a lot of bases to cover, and I think he covered all of them. It was very meaningful. You can see where he wants to go with the University and his presidency.”
Corey Humble, student body president and a senior majoring in biology and communication, looks forward to Newsom’s leadership, even for those who come after him in student leadership.
“Truthfully, I am very excited to just see what he can continue to do with the students,” Humble said. “I know that even if I’m not the individual he is working with directly, he takes our voices very seriously.”
Humble also thought his speech showed Newsom’s humility and that he is the right fit for Pitt State.
“I think he really showed he is the right choice for Pitt State,” Humble said. “He talked a lot about the people that got him there, and it shows just how humble and ready he is to serve in this role. I think that really just helps prove how important he’s going to be to this university to come.”
Dr. Phil Rudd, professor of English and modern languages, enjoyed Newsom’s speech and thought it showed his family being a part of the Pitt State community.
“I thought it was nice,” Rudd said. “It was very touching and personal. He really showed how each part of his family has become part of the community.”
In Governor Kelly’s speech, she commended Newsom for his work as well as Pitt State, saying there was a legacy of hands-on learning and workforce preparation. She mentioned that one of the people who helped write her speech is a Pitt State graduate.
“Here at Pittsburg State University, that legacy is something special,” Kelly said. “For generations, this state has been a leader in education. Preparing students to earn a degree, building a meaningful career, strengthening their communities, contributing to our state of success. From the roots as a teacher’s college, to the comprehensive university it is today, this institution has long understood that education must evolve to meet the needs of the real world. That commitment to growth is part of what makes a good state so unique. Pittsburg State has built a reputation for prioritizing hands-on learning, building career ready graduates, and forging strong partnerships with industry and community leaders.”
Provost and Executive Vice President Susan Bon gave a speech during introductions. She spoke of how investiture is both a ceremonial tradition and a meaningful transition of leadership. Also, she spoke of a strong emphasis on partnerships and the student’s experience and future success being central to the university’s mission.
“An investiture is one of the most enduring traditions in higher education,” Bon said. “It is both ceremonial and deeply meaningful. It marks the transition. More than that, it signifies a public affirmation of purpose. It is a rare moment when university community comes together to pause, to reflect on where it has been, and to look ahead with certainty and confidence, especially in our new President, Thomas Newsom. He will be here to lead and support Pittsburg State University as we embrace our dynamic future.”