Investiture Ceremony held for the sixth president of Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University’s president Jay Clune, university faculty, staff and members of the community gathered for the Investiture Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m.

Clune, a native of Houma, became Nicholls State University’s sixth president on Jan. 1, 2018.

Just over three decades ago, Clune received a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1986. Clune joined the Peace Corps soon after and left the mainland for Guatemala, where he would spend the next two years. In 1997, Clune received his doctorate in history from Louisiana State University. He would then spend the next few decades teaching in Florida.

The Investiture Ceremony paid homage to Clune and Nicholls.

The ceremony began with a processional of faculty dressed in caps and gowns. Clune was the last to enter, led by his wife, Allison Clune, and youngest daughter, Caroline Clune.

After the National Anthem, Todd Keller, associate vice president of academic affairs, introduced the guests. Amongst notable attendees were Chris Maggio, president of Northwestern State University; Joseph Savoie, president of University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Tommy Eschete, mayor of the city of Thibodaux; and Kristine Russell, Lafourche Parish district attorney.

During the ceremony, guest speakers had the opportunity to share some words on Clune.

David Whitney, department chair of social sciences, said Clune had an approachable, generous and genuine personality.

“What you see is what you get with Dr. Clune,” Whitney said.

Grant Henry, president of Student Government Association, also had a few words to say about Clune.
“Dr. Clune has given more meaning to ‘Colonel Pride,’” said Henry. “He puts the community’s interest above his own.”

However, throughout all speeches given, there was one underlying theme: funding.

Clune has fought to keep funding, specifically TOPS. Throughout the summer, Clune emailed the Nicholls community to keep everyone updated on the decision of TOPS funding.

In May 2018, Clune rallied students to join him in Baton Rouge for Higher Education Day. Clune and the group of students showed their colonel pride and support for funding of higher education.
As Clune took the podium to give his speech, he began with thanking his parents, wife, daughters and previous teachers for shaping him into the person he is today. He even thanked Edward Douglas White Catholic High for their acceptance and aid as Caroline switched schools in the middle of an academic school year.

Clune also said students deserve an education regardless of their financial status.

“Our mission is one of inclusion, not exclusion,” Clune said.