Inauguration of Ronald A. Crutcher, University of Richmond's 10th president, slated for Oct. 30; part of Homecoming Weekend

October 28, 2015

The inauguration of Ronald A. Crutcher, University of Richmond’s 10th president, will be held Friday, Oct. 30. The ceremony is part of the university’s Homecoming Weekend festivities.

The day’s events include:

  • Inauguration Ceremony, 11 a.m., Robins Center
  • Inauguration Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., Millhiser Green
  • Inaugural Symposium, 2:30 p.m., Camp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music
  • Homecoming Concert, 8 p.m., Westhampton Green

Crutcher will moderate the symposium, “America’s Unmet Promise – The Imperative for Equity in Higher Education,” which features panelists Estela Mara Bensimon, The Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California; Lani Guinier, Bennett Boskey professor of law, Harvard Law School, and author of “The Tyranny of the Meritocracy: Democratizing Higher Education in America”; and Carol Geary Schneider, president, Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U).

The symposium takes its title from a report published in January by the AAC&U, which makes the case for the urgent need to expand access to and success in high quality educational programs for students traditionally underserved in higher education.

“The symposium should be a lively, engaging and participatory discussion about issues of diversity, equity and institutional change,” Crutcher said. “Through dedicated attention to teaching and mentoring, as well as programs such as the Richmond Guarantee, the University of Richmond has worked to ensure that students of all backgrounds thrive here – in the classroom and in taking full advantage of invaluable undergraduate research opportunities, living-learning communities, study abroad and internships. I am proud of the work that Richmond has done, and I am eager for the university to host this important conversation about what we can all do to enhance equity in higher education.”

Since his arrival on campus, Crutcher has embarked on a listening tour to visit every division in the university and participated in several welcome events with alumni.

“I am enormously proud to be Richmond’s President,” Crutcher said. “The quality of education offered here is truly outstanding, and it is a privilege to be part of ensuring that the university continues to claim its rightful place among the very best private universities in the country.”  

Crutcher, a national leader in higher education and a distinguished classical musician, became president of the University of Richmond on July 1. Richmond is one of the few institutions in the country that is both need-blind in admission decisions for domestic undergraduate students and committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of admitted students.

“Ron Crutcher embodies the excellence that defines Richmond,” said Patricia L. Rowland, W’77 and GB’81, rector of the board of trustees. “He is deeply committed to the teacher-scholar model that allows Richmond to make a transformational difference in students’ lives.”

Crutcher has actively promoted access, affordability, diversity and inclusivity throughout his career. He serves on the board of the Posse Foundation, a comprehensive college access and youth leadership development program for public high school students; has served on the boards of the American Council on Education and the Fulbright Association; and was chair of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts. He is founding co-chair of Liberal Education and America’s Promise, the AAC&U’s national campaign to demonstrate the value of liberal education.

Crutcher also serves on the board of the Richmond Symphony.

Additional information on Crutcher may be found on the newsroom.


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