Presenter
Jim Hooker, Associate Senior Vice President, University of Southern California Office of Cultural Relations and University Events


Description
On Friday, October 15, 2010, barely seven months after the announcement of his appointment, Chrysostomos L. Nikias became the 11th president of the University of Southern California.  His official invocation marked only the eleventh time in 130 years that USC has installed a new president.

Before an audience of approximately 9500 attendees, his installation incorporated traditional elements as well as many unique innovations designed specifically to celebrate his inauguration.  This ceremony is historic for many reasons - he is the first president of USC to be born on foreign soil; he is the first president at USC to rise through the ranks as a dean and provost to ultimately reach the title of president; and most importantly, he takes command of a world-class research institution that has risen in the national rankings faster than any other institution of higher learning in history.

This case study will focus on the challenges faced when installing a new leader at your institution - from committee creation, constituency support, and program design to producing supporting events, branding and marketing the new president, and reaching beyond your school to other academic institutions and societies to support your mission.  Through this in-depth examination, you will have an opportunity to find answers to the most difficult questions you will face when placed in charge of one of your universities most significant moments - the inauguration of a new president!