Lander University held its opening convocation on Sept. 8, signaling the start of the new academic year. Members of the faculty, garbed in academic regalia, paraded to seats in the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium for the formal assembly that was also attended by students.
In his opening remarks, Dr. David Mash, Lander's provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said the event was scripted as an opportunity to present information about how the university rewards academic excellence and offers many opportunities for professional growth and development.
Mash highlighted, what he termed, a few points of pride for Lander. Among them, he mentioned the university's Study Abroad program; internships and experiential learning; Lander's Honors College; the annual student academic showcase, which is judged by individuals from outside the university; and academic and special awards.
Mash applauded members of the faculty. He said, "They are accomplished and engaged teachers who spend a lot of time and energy in the classroom as well as in their roles as advisers and mentors." He noted that during the 2013-14 academic year, faculty members published two books, four book chapters, 47 articles and 12 book reviews. They also made dozens of presentations at national and regional conferences and events, and wrote and received funding for eight grants from external sources.
He also pointed out that Lander faculty provides many hours of service to Greenwood and surrounding communities and organizations.
The convocation's keynote speaker was Dr. Kevin Witherspoon, associate professor of history and newly-appointed chair of Lander's Department of History and Philosophy.