UPLAND – Taylor University made it official on Friday as they inaugurated Paul Lowell Haines as the 31st president of the institution.
Haines, a ’75 graduate of Taylor, has been acting president since June 1, 2016, though the president had not yet been installed. Taylor pulled out all the stops as presidents of the past, along with other members of the university spoke during the ceremony as well as U.S Rep. Susan Brooks, who read a prepared statement from Vice President and former Indiana Governor Mike Pence.
“I think you all should feel secure that your children are being guided by President Haines,” Brooks said to the parents in attendance.
“Who better to understand your history than one of your own,” the Congresswoman went on. “The future of Taylor University is so very bright.”
Indiana Wesleyan President David Wright also spoke at the inauguration. Haines, served as lawyer for 25 years where he represented many colleges and universities, including IWU.
“I told him (Haines) we were losing a good lawyer, but gaining a good colleague,” Wright said.
For many who spoke on behalf of Haines, the newest Taylor president takes over the reigns not a moment too soon. David J. Gyerston, 29th president of Taylor, was one of them.
“You’ve come to this cornfield kingdom at just right time,” he said.
Haines was presented the mace, a walking stick, used by Bishop William Taylor, the university’s founder, along with the Bible of the evangelist and missionary before being adorned with the presidential medallion. Haines then received a standing ovation.
Former presidents, Gyerston, Jay Kesler and Eugene B. Habecker then all placed their hands on Haines during a prayer.
The 31st president then addressed the crowd, beginning with recounting his experiences as Taylor student.
“It was here where I struggled with my faith and conviction,” he said. “Who am I? What do I stand for?”
Haines expressed humility to be in the position he is today.
“It it not without a dose of humility that I accept this position of 31st president,” he said. “No one is more surprised to see me on this stage than I am.”
Haines too said perhaps he has been prepared to take over as a president during a time like this, where higher education is under attack. The president vowed to maintain the university’s mission and stay true to what the institution stands for.
“We will remain unabashedly orthodox Christian,” he said. “We will continue to focus, like a laser...We will need to change a lot to remain the same.”