Erskine community unites for inauguration of 14th president

Hundreds of members of the Erskine College and Theological Seminary community and guests celebrated the inauguration of the institution's 14th president Tuesday, April 10, in a ceremony at the Due West Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church. Newly inaugurated President Dr. Randall T. Ruble said he intends to "build on our history at Erskine," "give momentum to the present," and "leave this office with the promise of greater things to come."

In keeping with Erskine's heritage — it is named in honor of the founder of the Associate Church of Scotland — the event began with a bagpipe processional. Erskine College junior Grace Washam played the pipes as delegates from the State of South Carolina, members of the Erskine Board of Trustees, clergy from the General Synod of the ARP Church, and delegates from colleges and universities joined Erskine's administration, faculty, platform party and new president for the colorful march.

Referring to Proverbs 29:18, which reads in part, "Where there is no vision, the people perish," Ruble spoke about his vision for Erskine.

"The meaning of vision in that text has to be understood in terms of God, that is, where there is no divine vision, no understanding, no obedience, people perish," he said. "That, I think, is true for Erskine."

Ruble said he has been rereading histories of Erskine. "My hope is to bring in to the present and future the best lessons which can be learned from the past."

Citing Erskine's historic connection with the ARP Church, Ruble said, "Part of the reason I wanted this service in this church is to affirm our intention to stay close to the church and to fulfill the purpose for which the church brought Erskine into existence."

In order to "give momentum to the present," Ruble said, it is important to understand Erskine's ongoing story, including its organization and where it is headed. He said some reorganization will be needed, and some changes are already under way.

Expressing his desire to "move into the future with hope and optimism," Ruble outlined a number of challenges Erskine must face, including sustaining educational quality, making Erskine affordable and accessible, maintaining a balance between accountability and improvements, creating a global perspective, and integrating faith and learning.

Central to Ruble's vision is what he described as "the faith-learning enterprise," linked to Erskine's history as a Christian institution. "Our job is not simply to transfer knowledge but to shape character and values," he said. "Our challenge is to faithfully preserve and pass on the Christian tradition while encouraging honest intellectual curiosity."

A 1958 graduate of Erskine College and a 1961 graduate of Erskine Seminary, Ruble received the master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and the doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He was seminary vice president and dean for 21 years, retiring in 1997.

Ruble served as interim president of Erskine College and Theological Seminary from Sept. 1 to Oct. 26, 2006, and was then named president.

J. Thomas Patterson Jr., Moderator of the General Synod, brought greetings from the ARP Church, assuring Ruble of "congratulations, hope, encouragement and prayers from our denomination."

Offering greetings from other constituencies were Dr. E. Kate Stewart of the Board of Trustees, who called on Ruble to be an "academic shepherd"; Erskine Seminary Professor and Faculty Chair Dr. Donald Fairbairn, who expressed confidence that Ruble "will use his visionary and administrative gifts well"; and Erskine College Professor and Faculty Chair Dr. W. Gideon Alston, who praised Ruble's hands-on approach, describing him as "a frontline president."

Also bringing greetings were S. Aaron Meadows, president of the Seminary Student Body; Jeremy S. Sakovich, president of the college's Student Government Association; and the Hon. Paul L. Agnew of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Meadows cited Ruble's concern with "God's glory and not his own," and Sakovich said Ruble "is a man who strives to improve the lives of students on this campus."

Agnew, an Erskine College graduate, called the installation of Ruble as president "evidence of God's great plan for Erskine."

Delivering the charge to Ruble during the installation was the Rev. R. Edward Spencer of the Board of Trustees. The Rev. H. Neely Gaston, executive vice president of the seminary, offered the prayer of installation.

"I charge you to maintain and implement the historic mission of this institution," Spencer said.

Board of Trustees Chairman Guy H. Smith III conducted the investiture.

Also participating in the service were the Rev. L. Calvin Draffin, pastor of the Due West ARP Church, who offered an invocation; Executive Vice President and Dean Dr. Donald

Weatherman, who welcomed students, faculty, staff and guests, including new first lady Molly Ruble and members of the Ruble family; Associate Professor of Music Robert P. Glick, organist; the Erskine Choraleers and Sinfonia Brass, directed by Assistant

Professor of Music C. Shannon Jeffreys; Erskine Chaplain Paul G. Patrick, who gave the benediction; and 12 college and seminary students who served as marshals.

A reception in the Bowie Arts Center followed the inauguration service.
Erskine College was founded in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and is the oldest four-year church-related college in South Carolina. Erskine Theological Seminary was founded in 1837 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.