President Hugh Sherman is sworn into the office on August 20, 2021

President Sherman installed as 22nd president, delivers first State of the University address

A new chapter begins for OHIO.

Photos by Rich-Joseph Facun, Story by Jalyn Bolyard | August 24, 2021

Applause filled the Walter Hall Rotunda as Dr. Hugh Sherman was formally celebrated as OHIO’s 22nd president during an investiture ceremony on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. Also known as an inauguration, an investiture officially installs the university’s new leader.

Ohio University Board of Trustees Chair Cary Cooper, Vice President Peggy Viehweger, Secretary David Moore, and Faculty Senate Chair Robin Muhammad participated in the historic ceremony.

OHIO community members were welcomed to attend the event in person, and all were invited to join virtually.

After being installed as OHIO’s president, Sherman also delivered his first State of the University Address. He began by talking about how he drove into Athens with his then-fiancé and now wife, Nikki, 26 years ago this summer and how they thought it was the “perfect University town.” Sherman also highlighted some of the University’s strengths, trends impacting higher education and some of his presidential priorities during the address.

If you missed the event, view the presidential installment and State of the University Address recording at www.ohio.edu/president/university-address.

Ohio University faculty and staff applauding, wearing face masks, seated in Walter Hall Rotunda

OHIO community members were invited to participate in-person and virtually.

Dr. Hugh Sherman receives a medallion during his inauguration as 22nd President of Ohio University

President Sherman (center) is bestowed with the Presidential Seal of Office by Board of Trustees Vice Chair Peggy Viehweger (left) and Chair Cary Cooper (right). The seal was designed by the late Professor of Art David Klahn as a symbolic representation of the President’s authority, to be worn for official University occasions.