Released April 7, 1999
Centre College sets April 15 presidential installation
DANVILLE, KY -- On Thursday, April 15, Centre College will officially install as president John A. Roush, a veteran administrator who already has won the hearts of many on campus with his leadership ability, his devotion to students, and his love of fine music, good food and sports competition.
Roush began his duties as Centre president on July 1, and the installation ceremony is a formality that celebrates his appointment. During his first nine months on campus, Roush has displayed his expertise in strategic planning, getting deeply involved in Centre's current effort to update its strategic plan. The Centre president also has traveled extensively on behalf of the college, visiting Centre alumni in locations from New York to Arizona.
Despite his hectic schedule, Roush has followed through on a commitment to spend lots of time getting to know Centre students. The father of two college-age sons, he frequently attends student sports events and recently volunteered to help as a timer and scorekeeper for a track and field meet. He has a strong singing voice and agreed to join a wacky "video-karioke" event with students the night after his installation. He'll also join a 5K fun run with students and alumni later this month, helping to raise funds for a Danville charity.
Roush's energetic presence on campus has earned accolades with students, who like the fact that they can chat with him during evening sessions in the college weight-lifting facility or when he drops by the college dining hall for a meal. Faculty and staff also give him high marks as a well-informed, confident leader whose warm personality is an asset to the college.
A native of Ohio, Roush is Centre's 20th president. He had 25 years of experience in higher education before coming to Centre, most recently as vice president for planning at the University of Richmond.
Roush earned a bachelor's degree in English at Ohio University's Honors College, where he graduated summa cum laude. He completed master's and doctoral degrees at Miami University, where he began his career in higher education as an assistant football coach. Roush remained at Miami nine years, culminating with his appointment as executive assistant to the president.
He joined the University of Richmond in 1982 as executive assistant to the president and by the late 1980s had emerged as an institutional leader in efforts to create the Jepson School of Leadership Studies. He served on the committee charged with planning its mission, curriculum, and facilities. From 1990 to 1998, Roush served as vice president for planning, executive assistant to the president, and secretary to the board of trustees at UR.
In addition to his work in higher education, Roush has served in the U.S. Army and is a regular contributor to professional journals. He has been active in civic and community affairs in Richmond, serving on the board of the Tuckahoe YMCA and promoting education and recreation opportunities in low-income areas of the city.
Roush is active in the Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Susie Miller Roush, are the parents of two sons, Luke, 21, and Mark, 18. Mrs. Roush is a native of Dover, Ohio, and has a bachelor's degree from Ohio University and a master's degree from Miami University.
The April 15th installation ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in Newlin Hall of the Norton Center and will be open to the public at no charge. The program will feature a mini-drama about the history of Centre, along with remarks by Roush.
The theme for Roush's installation is "Founding the Future," and prior to the ceremony, the college will bury a time capsule intended to be opened at Centre's homecoming in the year 2050. The college also will honor its past by unveiling plans to restore native plants to the historic Sinking Spring area on campus.
Immediately following the ceremony, the Olympia Brass Band will lead a mini-parade down Walnut Street to the college student center, where Centre will host a reception in Roush's honor.
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