Anderson University celebrated the inauguration of its sixth president, Dr. Scott H. Moats, on Friday in Reardon Auditorium. The ceremony, which began at 2 p.m., marked a significant milestone in the university’s 108-year history.
A Ceremony Rooted in Faith and Tradition
The event opened with a prelude and processional performed by Mike Meadows followed by university acknowledgments, a reflection on the institution’s heritage and the hope of new leadership by Jay B. Ricker, Chairman from the Anderson University Board of Trustees.
“Today we gather as faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members, and friends to mark not only the beginning of a presidency but the next chapter in the proud 108-year story of this institution,” Ricker said. “A university is more than its buildings. It’s a community of people, past, present, and future, bound by faith, knowledge, and transformation through Jesus Christ.”
Ricker emphasized the significance of Dr. Moats’ leadership.
“The role of a president is both deeply challenging and deeply hopeful,” he said. “In Dr. Moats, we see a leader who listens with care, leads with integrity, and inspires with purpose.”
Invocation, Hymn, and Scripture
Brian H. Martin, the Dean of Spiritual and Intercultural Life, delivered the invocation, praying for God’s blessing on the new president and the university community.
The Anderson University Chorale followed with a stirring performance of “Be Thou My Vision.”
Dr. James L. Edwards, President Emeritus, then offered a Scripture reading and reflection from the Book of Joshua, encouraging strength, courage, and faithfulness in leadership.
“President Moats, we have come here today to put our hands on your shoulders—your tall shoulders—and to pray that God’s wisdom will be yours for this season of leadership,” Edwards said.
Recognition of Delegates
Dr. Courtney K. Taylor, Provost, led the recognition of delegates representing colleges and universities across the nation, acknowledging the fellowship of higher education and the shared pursuit of wisdom.
The Anderson University Chorale then performed “All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord,” filling the auditorium with harmony and worship.
Greetings to the President
A series of greetings followed, reflecting the voices of the students, faculty, alumni, the Church of God, the City of Anderson, the Independent Colleges of Indiana, and the academic community.
Elili B. Sutton, President of the Student Government Association, expressed gratitude for Moats’ kindness and humility, noting that his “Rise and Build” message inspires the entire campus to work together.
Dr. Michael W. Frank, Faculty Chair Pro Tem, praised Moats’s vision and devotion to faith-based education.
Austin T. Boon, Alumni Association President, invoked the story of Esther to describe Moats’ leadership as divinely appointed.
Dr. John S. Pistole, President Emeritus, reflected on gratitude and the importance of faithful leadership.
Rev. Monté L. D. Dillard Sr., Interim Director of Church of God Ministries in the U.S. and Canada, affirmed the partnership between the church and the university.
Mayor Thomas J. Broderick Jr. welcomed Moats on behalf of the City of Anderson, describing AU as “a vital cornerstone of our community.”
Laura Bridges, Vice President and COO of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, extended greetings from the state’s 28 private colleges and universities, assuring Moats of support from peer institutions.
Dr. Daniel J. Elsener, President of Marian University, brought humor and encouragement, saying, “Anderson University holds a special place among faith-based institutions. Your new president will lead with courage, judgment, integrity, and commitment.”
Reflections From a Colleague
Offering the most personal tribute of the afternoon, Dr. Scotti A. Moats, daughter of President Moats and Assistant Provost at Southwest Missouri Baptist University, reflected on the lessons her father taught her through faith and leadership.
“For many years, we’ve said I’m the apple that fell under the tree,” she said, smiling. “And I didn’t mean to fall—I just kind of stayed there.”
She shared three lessons learned from her father:
First, push the shopping cart.
“He taught me to start at the bottom, take on new tasks, and find the needs around you,” she said. “He never asks others to do what he isn’t willing to do himself.”
Second, create value wherever you go.
“Wherever he goes, he solves problems, builds trust, and creates value,” she said. “And when success comes, he gives credit to his team.”
Third, you are not the smartest person in the room.
“He taught me to listen to others and value their ideas,” she said. “When you aren’t the smartest person in the room, collaboration thrives, and the team becomes stronger.”
She concluded by recalling Micah 6:8:
“What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God,” she read. “My whole life, I’ve watched my dad live that verse. After all these years, he’s still the person I want to be when I grow up.”
As the audience applauded, President Moats rose and embraced his daughter, marking one of the most heartfelt moments of the day.
Presentation of the Symbols of Office
Ricker led the induction ceremony, presenting President Moats with the mace, presidential medallion, and the university charter — the traditional symbols of office representing leadership, authority, and faith.
Inaugural Address
President Moats then delivered his inaugural address, outlining his vision for the institution and expressing gratitude to those who shaped his journey.
“Distinguished guests, past presidents, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends — before I say anything else, I want to pause to thank the people who mean the most to me,” Moats began.
He first acknowledged his wife, Sheryl, calling her his “constant encourager and anchor of faith.”
“She has opened our home to students and walked beside me with grace, strength, and joy,” he said. “If you know Sheryl, you know her love often shows up as a plate of cookies — not just a treat, but a reminder that every student here is seen, heard, and loved.”
Moats also thanked his family for their encouragement, including his father.
“Dad, you’ve taught me what it means to live a life of faith,” he said. “Your steady example and faithful prayers have carried me to this moment.”
Turning to the university community, Moats acknowledged the challenges facing higher education but affirmed AU’s resilience.
“Anderson University, we are not looking away from the pressures of higher education,” he said. “Resources are stretched, and culture is shifting — yet we will not shrink from battle. We will rise and build, strengthening our hands for this good work.”
Moats outlined his vision under the theme of a “Faithful Campus,” with each letter of “CAMPUS” representing a cornerstone for the future:
- C – Clear and Compelling Communication: “We must be clear in our intention. We are a faith-based institution grounded in belief in Jesus Christ.”
- A – Applied Programming: “We must align our programs with workforce needs while remaining true to our mission.”
- M – Mission-Aligned Stewardship: “We will manage our resources wisely. I am tired of talking about what we don’t have; I want to focus on what God has already given us.”
- P – Partnerships and Collaboration: “We will strengthen ties with businesses, churches, and healthcare partners. Together, we can meet the needs of our time.”
- U – Updating Facilities: “We must ensure our campus is safe, modern, and welcoming to students.”
- S – Student Recruitment and Retention: “If there are no students, we cannot fulfill our mission. It is critical that we bring students here, educate them, and send them out as leaders of faith and service.”
“God has called us to be here for such a time as this — to rise and to build,” Moats said in closing. “Where faith and education intersect, the Holy Spirit changes lives. Let us continue that legacy together.”
The audience rose to their feet in applause.
Closing Moments
The Anderson University Chorale led the singing of the alma mater, followed by the benediction offered by Dr. Nathan J. Willowby, Dean of the College of Theology, Graduate, and Online Studies.
The choir concluded with a choral response, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” as the recessional began. Faculty and staff, led by President Moats and his wife, Sheryl, processed out of Reardon Auditorium to the organ recessional performed by Mike Meadows.
A Legacy Continues
The inauguration of President Moats marked not only a leadership transition but a reaffirmation of Anderson University’s founding mission — to educate for a life of faith and service.
“We are ready,” said Ricker earlier in the ceremony. “We are ready because today we welcome a leader prepared to help us dream boldly and act faithfully.”
With faith at its foundation and a renewed spirit of unity, the Anderson University community looks ahead to its next chapter — confident that its best days are still to come.