The sound of Native American drumming by the Yellow Cloud Singers played throughout the Presidential Investiture Ceremony for Kate Ferrel at Nicolet College.
Lac du Flambeau Tribal Elder Bobby Williams led the invocation in Ojibwe.
“I thanked the creator and all his helpers for looking this way and helping our new president on her way,” said Williams as he explained his words.
Nicolet College’s commitment to recognizing and honoring its relationship with indigenous people was evident throughout the ceremony.
And in Kate Ferrel’s remarks as she formally begins her tenure as College President.
“I asked that my journey begins with the gracious acknowledgment of the original stewards of the land this institution, Nicolet College, resides upon and the vital role our tribal communities have in supporting our mission and our shared existence,” she said.
The Nicolet College Board of Trustees selected Ferrel from within the college.
She had previously been the Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Nicolet and has more than two decades of experience in higher education.
All who spoke at the ceremony praised her current work and the benefit of having someone who knows the college and the community to lead.
“President Ferrel comes to us with broad experience in the technical college system with a strong knowledge on operations, personal relationships with staff, stakeholders, and the Wisconsin Technical College System, and her engagement with the Nicolet College Community. We’re eager to watch and support her leadership of Nicolet College,” Ryan Zietlow, Nicolet College Board of Trustees Chair.
Ferrel replaces retiring President Dr. Richard Nelson, who performed the hooding ceremony.
“It is with the most profound admiration and respect for your transformational work that I eagerly accept the charge of leading Nicolet College. I owe you much gratitude for leaving this institution, Nicolet College, in such exceptional condition. I am proud to be your president,” said Ferrel in her closing remarks.
Ferrel began her duties as College President at the beginning of July.
