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Joe Lesesne was installed as president 40 years ago today

On this day in 1973, Joab Mauldin Lesesne Jr. was officially installed as Wofford’s 9th president.

Presidents often have a formal installation or inauguration several months after they officially take office.  Joe Lesesne became the college’s president on June 30, 1972, but the formal ceremony did not take place until April.

Lesesne requested a smaller “installation” rather than a large “inauguration” because he wanted to speak more directly to the college community, and also partly to save money.  Dr. Lesesne went on to serve 28 years as president, retiring in 2000.

Here are some photos and programs from the day.  Click on each for a larger view.


By Phillip Stone

I've been the archivist of Wofford College and the South Carolina United Methodist since 1999. I'll be sharing college, Methodist, and local history, documents, photographs, and other interesting stories on this blog, which I've been keeping since December 2007.