Investiture ceremony held for Selma University President Stanford Angion

The investiture ceremony of Dr. Stanford Angion to the presidency of Selma University was held on campus in the Jemison-Owens Auditorium Oct. 22.

In attendance were dignitaries from all levels of government and from a wide range of higher learning institutions.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. said that Selma University and the city have enjoyed a good working relationship through the years. “I want to acknowledge the success the University has seen under Angion’s administration,” Perkins said. “I really appreciate the work he is doing here on campus.”

State Sen. Robert Stewart said that because of the work Angion has done since he and Rep. Prince Chestnut have been in office, “Selma University has been a line item in the state budget.”

County Commissioner Curtis Williams presented Dr. Angion with a key to Dallas County on behalf of Probate Judge and Commission Chair Jimmy Nunn and the Dallas County Commission.

“You have increased student enrollment and set the direction of Selma University,” Williams said.

Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer read a proclamation from his office recognizing Angion for his academic degrees and his 13 years of military service.

Rep. Chestnut said his family has a long-time association with Selma University. He told the crowd that his mother and father met and got engaged while they were students there. “So, if it wasn’t for Selma University, I wouldn’t be here right now,” Chestnut said.

Chestnut added, “Unlike so many others that will tell you to go (to the legislature) and ‘fight for me,’ Dr. Angion will join you and fight for himself.”

Byron Evans spoke on behalf of Congresswomen Terri Sewell. He said Sewell was entering into the official congressional record a recognition of Angion and his accomplishments thus far and congratulating him for his investiture as the 25^th president of Selma University.

The keynote speaker was former President of Tennessee State University Dr. Glenda Glover. She spoke on the importance of teaching the students service to their community and to others. She also spoke on the importance of “working together to save a nation, working together to save a people, working together to save an institution.”

During the actual investiture ceremony, Angion was presented with the symbols of office. His daughters Ivan and Kendra Angion presented him to the crowd.

Angion told the crowd that at a time after the Civil War towards the end of the Reparation, the future of Black Americans was in question across the country. “Even so, our forefathers raised money and bought 36 acres of land that had been used as a fairgrounds, a portion of which was a stable for horses” and build a school “that became the reservoir of the investment of a people and their hope of a better life.”

“Today represents the revival and restoration of that institution,” Angion said. He added that it is also a “call to action to move forward with a greater determination and intensity and commitment to inspire men and women to help others and to live in the image and likeness of God and the prosperity of their Creator.”

Angion became vice president of academic affairs at Selma University in August 2016. In June 2020 he was made provost/vice president. He was appointed interim president in February of that year. April 19, 2021 he was made the 25^th president of Selma University.