Campus community celebrates inauguration of 16th president Sept. 28
Inauguration of University of Nevada, Reno President Marc Johnson takes place on the historic Quad
 RENO, Nev. – The inauguration of Marc Johnson
(Emporia State '70) as the 16th president of the University of Nevada, Reno will carry on a
long-held tradition. An audience of several hundred University faculty,
staff, students and invited guests will convene on the University’s
historic Quad for the event at 10 a.m. on Sept. 28.
The inauguration program includes the formal investiture conducted by
Jason Geddes, chair of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of
Regents, and Johnson will deliver his inaugural address. Music will be
performed by the University of Nevada, Reno Symphony Orchestra, and the
audience will be invited to join the Nevada Chamber Chorale in singing
the University’s Alma Mater.
Johnson was named president of the University by the Board of Regents in April 2012, after serving as interim president since April 2011.
“It is a high honor to have been given this opportunity,” Johnson said.
During his tenure as president and interim president, the University
has achieved its highest-ever enrollment, number of graduates, number of
National Merit Scholars, student diversity and graduation rate. The
University has maintained its top-tier ranking among the “nation’s best
universities” by U.S. News & World Report.
Johnson represented the University in its move to the Mountain West
Conference and last summer was named incoming chair of the Mountain West
Board of Directors. While interim president, he established the
University’s Office of Diversity Initiatives. Recent significant gifts
to the University include a $5 million gift from Phil and Jennifer Satre
to benefit the University of Nevada School of Medicine, College of
Education and Wolf Pack Athletics, and $1.6 million from the Redfield
Foundation to benefit the School of Medicine.
“I’m proud of where we are as a university, and I’m proud of the work
all of our people have done,” said Johnson. “There is a spirit and
resiliency about this University that carries us through. It has been
immensely rewarding to see the commitment of our faculty, staff and
friends, and the strong desire to support our future generations and
improve the quality of this institution and, ultimately, the health and
economic well-being of Nevada.”
Johnson joined the University as executive vice president and provost
in 2008. As provost, often described as a university’s chief academic
officer, Johnson was responsible for the academic units, including the
colleges, schools and extended studies division, and the University’s
outreach programs. He led the development of the University’s Strategic
Plan in 2009, which provides an operational blueprint through 2015 and
incorporates University-wide input.
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