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Husson President kicks off Distinguished Business Speakers Series

Published on: October 2, 2024

A blond woman smiles at another blond woman while seated on a stage at Husson University.

Husson University President Lynne Coy-Ogan kicked off the first Distinguished Business Speakers Series event on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at The Gracie Theatre speaking about her career journey from teaching to K-8 administration to higher education and the important role that mentors played along the way.

“Students have always been the key theme of my career and using the opportunities that I've been given to enhance students' abilities to transform their own lives, is my mission,” said President Coy-Ogan.

People seated in an audience at The Gracie Theatre at Husson University smile.

The annual series is produced by Husson’s College of Business and features notable speakers in a variety of business professions. Previous speakers have included Dajuan Eubanks is president of the Maine Celtics and vice president of the Boston Celtics; U.S. Senator Susan Collins; and L.L.Bean President and CEO Stephen Smith. This series is sponsored by MMG Insurance Company.

President Coy-Ogan assumed her new role on July 1. She is Husson’s 7th president and first female CEO. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost for 15 years. She came to Husson about 20 years ago as Dean of the School of Education after a career in K-8 education as both a teacher and an administrator.

“Counseling and leadership skills have been the most helpful for me to understand how people learn differently, their values, and what motivates them,” said President Coy-Ogan.

Husson’s Distinguished Speaker Series is intended to educate students, alumni and community members on the challenges facing businesses and related professions as well as inspire future leaders.

President Coy-Ogan chooses to look at the presidency as a new season of her life where she is present in every moment and open to change.

“People see potential in yourself that you haven’t yet envisioned. And so it’s by having that mentorship and being open to that constructive feedback, being open to learning new skills throughout your career, that opportunities come forth,” said President Coy-Ogan.

Husson University Student Emily Parent looks up to President Coy-Ogan and was super excited to see her step into such a powerful position, paving the way for younger female students.

“She has given us so much of her time. I wanted to repay her by giving her my time in return,” said Parent.

- Allison Yost