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Husson University Inaugurates President Lynne Coy-Ogan

Published on: October 18, 2024

A smiling woman in regalia stands next to two smiling and clapping men on a stage.

Husson University inaugurated its seventh president and first female CEO on Friday, Oct. 18 at The Gracie Theatre in a ceremony that included dignitaries from other universities, faculty, staff, students and U.S. Senator Susan Collins.

President Lynne Coy-Ogan was presented with the university medallion and honored with comments on behalf of the student body, staff, faculty, trustees and alumni.

“It’s heartening to see this remarkable woman breaking the proverbial glass ceiling here by becoming Husson’s first-ever woman president and CEO. What an amazing example of perseverance and hard work for all of us,” said Lucy Stone, president of the Husson University Student Government and Board of Trustees Student Trustee.

Many spoke about the future of higher education and how Coy-Ogan is ideally suited to lead the 126-year-old Bangor college as it positions itself for future demands. 

“In an interview shortly after she was named president, Lynne was asked about her hopes for the future of Husson,” said U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who delivered the guest address. “One word that came up throughout her response was ‘focus.’ I have never known a school, a faculty, or a student body more focused on preparing for a professional career. Husson truly is unusual in its dedication to this aspiration and its clear sense of purpose.”

Remarks were also given by Alumni Association President Amy Clark and Faculty Forum President Mike Knupp. William Forbes, DDS, M.Div., of the Oakland University School of Medicine, a longtime friend of Coy-Ogan’s parents, gave the invocation.

Coy-Ogan, who delivered a speech about honoring the past as Husson moves toward the future, spoke about the challenges higher education faces in this unique moment.

“To thrive, we must be bold in our thinking to leverage our history to write Husson’s next chapter. The Husson of tomorrow will have a national footprint. We will bring a quality Husson education to new audiences while extending and broadening our reach in emerging fields,” said Coy-Ogan. “The Husson of tomorrow will develop a pipeline of innovative ideas that encourage the University to think boldly and creatively about its future, while working with industry leaders to drive new partnership, programs and technologies.”