On April 11, 2024, a blustery yet beautiful day with family, friends, trustees, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests in attendance, Board Chairman HB Turner installed Dr. Lauren B. Schellenberger as the 28th president of Culver-Stockton College.
Not only did the academic procession of faculty, staff, trustees, and visiting delegates, feature the traditional bagpipe ensemble, but it also featured over 15 international students carrying their country’s flag. This special addition to the processional signified the diversity and worldwide impact of the College. “Our international students carrying their country’s flag in the procession wove a vibrant tapestry of diversity, unity, and cultural exchange,” stated Dr. Kim Gaither. “Everyone could see the students’ pride as they showcased the colors of their heritage and the spirit of global understanding.”
C-SC Chaplain Reverend Dr. Mandy Tarpening ’99 brought forth the invocation giving thanks for this cherished learning community on The Hill, pausing for gratitude for all who lead and have been good stewards of the College preserving the educational heritage despite all the challenges she has faced. “For such a time as this, You have called Dr. Lauren Schellenberger to lead our community into a bright and hopeful future,” prayed Tarpening. The invocation concluded with a blessing upon Dr. Schellenberger asking Him to place His guiding and steady hand upon her shoulder.
HB Turner, Culver-Stockton College chairman of the board of trustees, welcomed everyone to the historic event. “Culver-Stockton’s cherished history is one to build upon, as we look to the future and our 175th year in 2028! A future where we continue to provide the educational experiences and tools needed for our graduates to serve our communities and the world beyond.” Turner continued, “a place to learn about faith and the human spirit, a place to learn unique lifelong skills, such as leadership, critical thinking, judgment, ethics, and service to others.”
Also participating in the ceremony, giving well wishes, sharing stories, and giving praise for her leadership, knowledge, and kindness included Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kim Gaither, President of Higher Education & Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg, Canton Mayor Sharon Upchurch, President and CEO of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. Brenda Beshears, President of the Alumni Board Steve Oslica ’80, Student Government Association President Hailey Laurich, Head Athletic Trainer and Senior Lecturer in Athletic Training Robert Carmichael, and Professor of Chemistry and Biology Dr. Mohamed El-Bermawy.
Turner also had the honor of installing President Schellenberger. During the medallion ceremony, he stated, “Dr. Lauren B. Schellenberger, through the selection process, which included students, alumni, staff, faculty, and College friends, you have been elected by the Board of Trustees to serve as president of Culver-Stockton College. It is my great honor… to install you as the president of Culver-Stockton College with all the requisite rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the office. By accepting the president’s medallion, which symbolizes our College’s historic tradition of excellence, you accept the charge to serve with vision, diligence, dedication, energy, and integrity as president of Culver-Stockton College.”
President Schellenberger’s address included, “…it is truly the transformational nature of a Culver-Stockton College education that drew me here 17 years ago, and it’s the transformational student experience and the entrepreneurial spirit that will fuel the growth and sustainability of Culver-Stockton moving forward. And that is what we are doing right now at C-SC–we are moving forward, despite so many things that represent obstacles for higher education today… It is up to us here at C-SC to push back against those obstacles, strong in our belief that what we do here every day makes a difference in the lives of C-SC students, past, present, and future. We are moving forward.”
She concluded with, “…I stand here today with a profound sense of optimism and anticipation for the future of this remarkable institution. I am honored to serve as your president and to work alongside each and every one of you to shape a vibrant and impactful community. Together, we will inspire students of promise to achieve more than they ever expected for generations to come, and together, we are moving forward and changing lives.”
Following the inauguration ceremony, a VIP luncheon was held in the cafeteria. President Schellenberger welcomed everyone and shared her gratitude for their attendance. Board Chair Turner announced a new fund that has been established in President Schellenberger’s honor. “As a part of our continued celebration today it is my honor to announce the establishment of the Culver-Stockton Innovation Fund – The Innovation Fund has been established by alumni and friends in your honor with gifts and pledges of over $100,000 to invest in our future. The Innovation Fund will empower the College’s responsiveness to emerging challenges and opportunities under your leadership by providing seed funding for innovative ideas, initiatives, and programs to support the vision and mission of Culver-Stockton College.”
The inauguration open-house style reception was held from 1:30-3:00pm in the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center. The casual event allowed faculty, staff, and other guests to stop by and wish President Schellenberger best wishes and enjoy a piece of C-SC-themed cake.
The creativity of staff and students shone brightly during the beach themed “Schellybration”. Not only did the students and guests enjoy grilled burgers and hot dogs but they also enjoyed a DJ, Trevor Greer, and live music from three of their own, “ The Krying Eagles”. Additionally, a beach-themed lemonade drink that included mint leaves and brightly colored umbrellas, a confetti cannon, and outdoor games rounded out the evening of fun.
Turner’s closing remarks were, “It is now time for all aspects of the College to witness this celebration of new leadership for the future of our beloved College and higher education in the region.” For photos of this historic day go to flickr.com/photos/c-sc/albums.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.