The Herald-News - News Story

Oxford celebrates accreditation: Ribbon cut on Dr. Arliss Roaden library addition during festivities

Oxford Graduate School cut the ribbon opening the Arliss Roaden Education Library Addition on Friday, June 19, as part of the school's weekend celebration of the newly acquired accreditation status.

The event was held in conjunction with the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Roaden, a member of the school's Society of Scholars, recently donated his professional library of greater than 2,000 items to Oxford Graduate School.

In his remarks to those gathered for the ribbon cutting, Roaden said that he had hoped to give his books to an institution which "wanted them, needed them and would use them" and that Oxford Graduate School fit his criteria.

A request from Oxford Graduate School President Dr. Rebecca Tucker had prompted Roaden's gift.

She expressed her excitement in receiving the offer of the gift from Roaden.

"I enjoyed getting acquainted with Dr. Roaden, planning for the transfer of books, renting the truck and arranging for the book's delivery. A gift of intellectual property of this magnitude is a wonderful addition to our library," Tucker said.

Roaden retired as Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in 1995.
Prior to his service there, Roaden was the president of Tennessee Tech University, dean of the graduate school at Ohio State University and professor at Auburn University.

Kerry Nabors, president of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, was present for the special event for Oxford Graduate School.

He expressed his congratulations and best wishes to the school for its continued success as "we work together for the betterment of the Dayton community."

The ribbon cutting was held as part of the annual alumni weekend held June 18-21. The event focused on the recent accreditation of Oxford Graduate School by the Transnational
Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

A Friday evening banquet recognized local persons and organizations for their assistance in preparation for the accreditation team visit. Those recognized were Ron Scott, Robert Watts,
Arthur Mincey, Angie Rice, Libby Walker, Larry Johnson, Melba Huffman, Tonya Sorrow, Marshall Taylor, Jeremy Fitzgerald, Diana and Roger Gupton, Melody Gibby, Randy Leffew, Melany Reivley, Karl and Maggie Kinkead and Sara Jane Locke.

President Tucker delivered the state of the campus address and focused on the new opportunities and responsibilities resulting from accreditation. Increased growth is anticipated.

She noted that the inauguration of Dr. Glenn Wagner as second chancellor of OGS would provide assistance in fund raising and campus development. The Board of Regents of OGS, chaired by Dr. Loren Humphrey, will also focus on growth through grant development.