Students Encouraged to Look to the Future During Provost's Convocation
Tougaloo, Miss. – Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bianca Garner greeted new and returning students during the second convocation of the school year, which was held at the Historic Woodworth Chapel on Wednesday, Aug. 29.
“Leave the past behind, both good and bad,” said Garner. Regarding the opportunity for students to have a new beginning at Tougaloo College, she said, “You have to take advantage of these opportunities.” Garner recognized the Provost Scholars, who have seized an opportunity to receive a scholarship from Tougaloo College. These scholars scored 24 or higher on the ACT or 1100 on the SAT, as well as maintained a 3.50 cumulative grade point average or higher upon admission to the College.
Although the students were reminded of the great work and dedication necessary for the journey ahead of them this school year, they had a chance to sing and laugh during this academic-focused ceremony.
The Tougaloo College Jazz Moment performed a musical selection, which received a standing ovation, following Chaplain Larry Johnson’s invocation. As Tougaloo College expectations were shared with the students, each Dean was introduced in an effort for students to know their academic leaders by name and face.
Guest speaker, optometrist and Tougaloo College alum Channing Wells became a face students should remember, as she told students about her career journey to the profession of optometry. As she related many areas of her career story to eye and vision metaphors, causing laughter among the students, she described how the faculty and staff who touched her life during her time at Tougaloo helped her to become a successful optometrist. At the conclusion of the convocation, Wells joined students in singing the Tougaloo College Alma Mater.
