CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The next University of Northern Iowa president was welcomed into the family Thursday.
An estimated 400 faculty, staff and students greeted William Ruud and his wife, Judy, during a reception in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center lobby.
A brief program included musical performances and remarks.
Ruud — who officially takes over June 1 — is only the 10th president in UNI’s 137-year history, noted professor of music Jeff Funderburk.
"It’s a special moment," Funderburk said. "We are eager to work with you going forward as we confront whatever challenges may lay ahead."
Craig Lang, president of the state Board of Regents, first met Ruud minutes before the program. He had been on a trip to India when Ruud visited the campus.
People are also reading…
"I got a whole half hour with him," Lang said to laughs from the audience. "I think you have a great president headed your way."
He thanked everyone involved with the search, and said hiring the presidents of Iowa’s public universities is the board’s most important responsibility.
"We strive to select university leaders who are an outstanding reflection of this responsibility," he said. "The board has found this with Bill. He has demonstrated excellence in all areas that are critical to leading the University of Northern Iowa. The board is confident Bill will be an exceptional and innovative leader."
Lang pointed to Ruud’s years of experience in higher education, including "a strong background in leading a regional, comprehensive and student-centered university very similar to UNI in its size, its educational programs, its challenges and its strengths."
Student body president Jordan Bancroft-Smithe, a senior from Waverly, served on the presidential search committee.
"Students first — our former motto is a philosophy acting like a rhythm which gives this community vibrancy and energy," he said. "President Ruud is someone who is already in tune with that hum, with that rhythm, with that steady drum beat."
He and student vice president KaLeigh White presented Ruud with a purple tie. Judy, who already accessorized with a purple sweater and gold and purple necklace, got a purple scarf.
To cheers and applause, Ruud immediately replaced the tie he had worn with the new one.
"It’s a joy for Judy and I to be humbled by the turnout you have," he said. "I look forward to coming back, visiting some folks in the Des Moines area who I think are very important to this institution and remind them of the quality and excellence that lives up here in the Cedar Falls- Waterloo area.
"I know there is a great future for the University of Northern Iowa," he added. "I hope we can tackle the challenges, create great successes and look back three to five to 10 years from now and just have great big smiles on our faces to say, ‘Yes, that’s my university.’"
The UNI community will soon meet a third member of their family: a 22 pound cockapoo named Fuzzy who often accompanies them around campus.
"Loyalty is maybe not his strength," Ruud joked. "He will want to go home with each and every one of you."
Mascot TC also took the podium to rev up the excitement, and he and his younger sister, TK, offered Ruud a hug.
"You like my tie?" Ruud asked as TC pointed to his shirt. "I like your uniform."
William Ruud, 60, has been president of Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pa., since 2007.
The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber will host a community-wide welcome event for the Ruuds this summer.
Â
Correction added (3/4): The first version of this story incorrectly reported Ruud's age. This has been corrected.
