SALEM — Salem State College held an inauguration yesterday for its new president — and what turned out to be a dress rehearsal for its new name.
Patricia Maguire Meservey, who took the oath of office yesterday afternoon as the 13th president of Salem State, was interrupted at several points in her inaugural address by warm applause — none more so than when she mentioned the college's quest to become a university.
At one point, the new president even thanked state Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry of Peabody for making "Salem State University" a top priority.
The college has asked the state Board of Higher Education for university status, which would allow it to grant doctoral degrees, and expects an answer this year. The state board's chairman, Frederick Clark Jr., who administered the oath of office yesterday, hinted strongly that good news is in the wings.
After mentioning that Salem State's commencement is just weeks away, Clark said: "I see another graduation in the future for the college in regards to its status."
Salem State University aside, this was really Meservey's day. More than 1,000 college and community members, state and local officials turned out to usher in a new era at Salem State following the 17-year reign of President Nancy Harrington. Gov. Deval Patrick and Congressman John Tierney, a Salem State graduate, both praised Meservey, who takes the reins as Salem State prepares for a major transition from college to university.
"Her leadership could not come at a more important time," said the red-robed Patrick, who sat next to the blue-robed Meservey on a stage at the O'Keefe Center.
Meservey used her address to make several announcements. Joining a growing chorus of colleges across the country, she said Salem State will open its doors wider by increasing need-based financial aid.
"It is my great pleasure," she said, "to announce today that Salem State will, from this day forward, dedicate itself to reducing the need for tuition and fee loans for all students in need of financial support." The announcement was greeted with loud applause.
Meservey said she plans to increase financial aid through a combination of state and federal assistance and private donations. Citing the $1 million tuition gift Salem State received from Salem native Jack Welch more than a year ago, Meservey said: "We will need more — much more — private support to fulfill our commitments to all of our students."
She also announced plans to build a science and learning center that will include a new library. Salem State closed its library last fall due to structural concerns. Funds for the new building are part of Patrick's $2 billion capital bond bill proposal for higher education.
Praising college students for their growing commitment to public service and community involvement, the new president announced the creation of a Center for Civic Engagement at Salem State. She also called on public education institutions in the state to establish a Hall of Fame for Community Service.
Several speakers mentioned that Meservey has been busy since taking office last summer. In addition to dealing with the library closing, she has overseen the early stages of the acquisition of the adjacent Weir manufacturing site and the opening of a new college baseball field and tennis courts.
"She has already fulfilled many of our collective expectations for the next leader of Salem State College," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said.
One speaker wished Meservey luck — despite her numerical place in the long line of Salem State presidents.
"In this case," said Clark, the state education board chairman, "13 is clearly a lucky number."
