On Friday, Oct. 3, Huntingdon College in Montgomery celebrated a significant event with the installation of its 15th president, Dr. Anthony Lee. The ceremony took place on the college’s historic campus and gathered students, faculty, alumni, and local community members, as well as leaders from various sectors across Alabama, to welcome a new chapter of leadership.

Presidential inaugurations are a longstanding tradition in higher education, representing both a moment of reflection and a sense of renewal. Such ceremonies honor the institution’s past while also highlighting the incoming president’s vision moving forward.

Emphasizing his appreciation for the university’s traditions and community, Dr. Lee selected “Celebrating Huntingdon” as the theme for his inaugural event. Six distinguished speakers from various key constituencies participated, including Montgomery Mayor Stephen Reed; Bishop Jonathan Holston from the United Methodist Church’s Alabama Panhandle Diocese; Dr. Sarah Conrad Sowers, the vice president for academic affairs and dean of departments at Huntingdon; Dr. Diana Gray ’04, president of the Huntingdon Alumni Association; and Dejon Gibby II ’26, student government president.

Accompanied by his wife Wendy and daughter Carrie Mae, Dr. Lee received the Presidential Medallion from Lula Garrett Canary ’78, chair of the Huntingdon College Board of Trustees. An academic hood was also presented to him by Trustees Emily Reed, Jane Allen ’75, and Beverly McKinney ’70, members of the Presidential Search Committee.

The program was emceed by Board Vice Chair Katrina Kiefer ’95. The Rev. John Ed Matheson ’60 provided the invocation, and the Rev. Rhett Butler ’13 wrapped up the ceremony with a benediction. Lynley McNew ’28, Miss Huntingdon 2025, led the audience in the national anthem, accompanied by the Huntingdon Wind Ensemble.

If you weren’t able to attend, a complete recording of the investiture ceremony is available here.