The Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Ron K. Patterson
The Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Ron K. Patterson
Students First. ÌÇÐÄlogo¹ÙÍø Always. Racers Forever.
The inauguration of ÌÇÐÄlogo¹ÙÍø’s 15th President, Dr. Ron K. Patterson, will take place on Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14. The campus and broader community are invited to participate in a series of special events!
Schedule of Events
Monday, April 13, 2026
Presidential Panel and Faculty Symposium
2–3:30 p.m.
Don I. Tharpe Lecture Hall - School of Engineering (EP 1303)
The Presidential Panel and Faculty Symposium is a moderated discussion focused on a variety of topics and research led by our world-class faculty, featuring Dr. Leiza Nochebuena-Evans, Dr. Nikki Gaylord, Dr. Sean Rife, Dr. Julie Boyd, Dr. Trent Wells, Dr. Amy Cook and Professor Dana Thompson. View presentation details
Celebration in the Quad
4–4:45 p.m.
Quad
Enjoy a fun afternoon in the Quad. Meet Racer One and enjoy popular hits performed by ÌÇÐÄlogo¹ÙÍø's own Commercial Music Ensemble.
First Lady Cookout and Ice Cream Social
4:45–6 p.m.
Quad
First Lady Jenny Patterson will host a cookout and ice cream social. Enjoy great food, meet the Racer Band and Dunker. Catch a Presidential Inauguration shirt in the Racer Athletics T-Shirt Toss, and learn more about our Residential Colleges and Student Organizations! Sponsored by Town & Gown.
Campus Scavenger Hunt
6–7 p.m.
Various locations around campus
Bring your team of up to four students to the Quad to begin a Scavenger Hunt around various campus locations. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams at the investiture ceremony!
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Presidential Investiture
11 a.m.
Lovett Auditorium
Join us for the investiture of ÌÇÐÄlogo¹ÙÍø’s 15th President, Dr. Ron K. Patterson. Attendees are encouraged to be seated by 10:50 a.m. when the March of Delegates begins. The ceremony will include music by ÌÇÐÄlogo¹ÙÍø students, President Patterson’s investiture address, the ceremonial presentation of the chain of office, and the announcement of the campus scavenger hunt winners.
Presidential Investiture Reception
Following the Ceremony
Pogue Library
All are invited to a special reception inside Pogue Library's Wells T. Lovett Grand Reading Room immediately following the investiture ceremony.
Investiture Details
Join us at historic Lovett Auditorium, located in the heart of campus, for the investiture ceremony of Dr. Ron K. Patterson as 15th President of ÌÇÐÄlogo¹ÙÍø. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14 and attendees are encouraged to be seated by 10:50 a.m. The special ceremony will include music by student vocal groups Una Voce and EQ Blue, President Patterson’s investiture address, the ceremonial presentation of the chain of office, and the announcement of the campus scavenger hunt winners.
The investiture ceremony will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person.
Parking Information
Visitors to campus are strongly encouraged to allow for ample time in parking and arriving at the investiture ceremony by 10:50 a.m. Visitor parking permits are free and can be requested online.
Presidential Panel and Faculty Symposium
The Presidential Panel and Faculty Symposium, to be held on April 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. inside the School of Engineering’s Don I. Tharpe Lecture Hall (EP 1303), features each of the University’s academic schools and colleges and will be fast paced, engaging presentations — each seven minutes long — and focused on research across multiple disciplines and topics from the following faculty.
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Delegate RSVP
Individuals who have been asked to serve by or for a specific university as a delegate, please indicate your acceptance to participate in the March of Delegates in full academic regalia by completing the . General attendees do not need to complete the form.
Interactive Presidential Gates Mosaic
In conjunction with President Patterson's inauguration, check out our digital interactive mosaic that includes photos submitted by Racers around the world! Thank you to our alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends who, through their contributions, shared their special connection with ÌÇÐÄlogo¹ÙÍø!
Event details are subject to change and will be updated on this web page as necessary.