Celebrating History: NC State’s Chancellor Installation Ceremony

On October 30, 2023, North Carolina State University (NC State) will formally install Kevin Howell as its 15th chancellor, a ceremony that will reflect the rich history and traditions of the institution. Howell took office in May 2023, succeeding Randy Woodson, who led the university since 2010. The event will feature an academic procession and the ceremonial use of regalia that connects the present to NC State’s past.

Inaugurated as the first president of the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1889, Col. Alexander Quarles Holladay was honored with a gold pocket watch, a gift from the inaugural Board of Trustees and the Watauga Club. This simple yet dignified ceremony set the tone for future inaugurations, attended by 72 freshmen and various dignitaries. Holladay’s inauguration included ten speakers, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for the newly established institution, which now stands as a prominent university.

A significant artifact from that historic day, the handmade pocket watch, was returned to the university by Holladay’s grandson, A. Randolph “Ran” Holladay Jr., on August 9, 1952. The watch, crafted by renowned jeweler Robert Roskell Sr. of Liverpool, England, is currently housed in the NC State University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center. It serves as a connection to the university’s founding, although it is rarely displayed due to its fragile condition.

Tradition Meets Modern Ceremony

The upcoming installation of Chancellor Howell contrasts sharply with earlier ceremonies, which often lacked elaborate decorations. For example, when Eugene Clyde Brooks was installed in 1925, he chose not to wear any regalia, reflecting his preference for simplicity. Instead, he focused on articulating the university’s educational mission, famously nailing his four educational theses to the doors of Pullen Hall.

The installation ceremony for Howell promises to be more elaborate. It will commence at 11:00 a.m. with an academic procession led by faculty chair Walter Robinson, who will carry the university’s hand-crafted mace. This mace, a symbol of academic authority and heritage, is made from locally sourced materials and is designed to enhance the ceremonial atmosphere.

In contrast to Brooks’ minimalistic approach, Howell’s ceremony will involve representatives from various academic institutions and be steeped in traditional regalia. Past chancellors, including John Caldwell and Marye Anne Fox, have embraced the ceremonial aspects, contributing to the formalization of academic events at NC State.

The Significance of Academic Regalia

The use of regalia at academic ceremonies symbolizes the connection between modern education and its historical roots. The NC State University Mace represents the protection and nurturing of knowledge, crafted from North Carolina walnut and designed by a team of university faculty. The mace features a base of local stone, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to its community and the importance of scholarly pursuits.

The NC State Medallion, which Chancellor Howell will wear during the ceremony, is another key component of the regalia. Designed to reflect the university’s values and heritage, it bears the NC State seal and signifies the authority of the chancellor. The medallion’s design, which features interconnected elements, symbolizes the diverse voices within the university community.

Robinson, as the mace bearer, will also emphasize the importance of the faculty’s role during the installation. He believes that the academic regalia worn by faculty members represents their scholarly achievements and the institution’s commitment to education. The procession of faculty dressed in their caps and gowns is a powerful reminder of the university’s dedication to knowledge and academic excellence.

As the installation of Chancellor Howell approaches, the NC State community is gearing up for a celebration that honors its history while looking forward to the future. The event will not only mark the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s leadership but also serve as a reaffirmation of the values and traditions that have shaped NC State since its founding.