Investiture ceremony formally installs Page as Stillman College's eighth president

Stillman College on Friday formally celebrated the inauguration of Yolanda Page during an investiture ceremony at the Tuscaloosa campus.

"This is a significant event launching a new academic, community and leadership experience with the eighth president for Stillman College," said Theresa Spralling, vice chairwoman of the Stillman College board of trustees, during the ceremony.

More: New President Yolanda Page plans to boost Stillman College's visibility in the community

Stillman faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered at the college's Birthright Auditorium for the ceremony, which was a part of a weeklong series of events marking Page's inauguration.

Page became Stillman's president on July 1, 2023, after Cynthia Warrick's retirement. Warrick, Stillman's first female president, led the historically Black college for five years.

Stillman College, which sits on more than 100 acres in Tuscaloosa, is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and held its first classes in 1876.

Spralling said the ceremony represented the start of a new chapter for Stillman and praised Page's character and qualifications as Stillman's new president.

"Your selection is a testament to your capabilities, your compassion and commitment to this incredible institution of higher learning," Spralling said.

During the ceremony, Page also received praise from several guest speakers including state Sen. Bobby Singleton of Greensboro, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Peter Millet, who served as Stillman's sixth president and is now executive vice president and chief operating officer at Meharry Medical College in Tennessee.

Maddox discussed Stillman's rich history and its impact on the city of Tuscaloosa. He also encouraged everyone to come together to support Page's vision.

"No leader can accomplish a journey alone," Maddox said. "My hope and my prayer is that today's ceremony inspires all of us to stand behind and stand with Dr. Page because I believe... the best days of Stillman College are in front of us."

Page said she was honored by the recognition and thanked the board of trustees for the opportunity to lead Stillman.

"I thank you for entrusting me to bear the seal of this sacred institution," Page said.

During Page's remarks, she shared her goals and vision for Stillman. During her tenure, Page said she aims to take Stillman to the next level of excellence.

To accomplish this, Page said she plans to build on Stillman's visibility in the community. Page also plans to focus on three categories: relationships, resources and reputation.

Page also encouraged Stillman students, faculty, staff and community members to stand with her in leading Stillman to the next level.

"Let us agree that we will leave a lasting impact on our campus, our community and beyond," Page said.

Page, a Shreveport, Louisiana, native has over 30 years of experience in higher education. Before coming to Stillman, Page served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Savannah State University in Georgia.

Page’s administrative experience spans public and private institutions. Before her appointment at Savannah State University, she was vice president of academic affairs at Dillard University, a private HBCU in New Orleans that consistently ranks among the top 15 HBCUs in the nation.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Ceremony honors Stillman College President Yolanda Page