Middlebury Inaugurates Ian Baucom 18th President
Ian B. Baucom was installed as the 18th president of Middlebury College on November 2 at an inauguration ceremony at Virtue Field House marking the beginning of a new era—one day after the 225th anniversary of the College’s founding. Read full story.
Video Highlights
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends, family, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the installation ceremony at Virtue Field House.
Inauguration Remarks and Program
Read the full text of inauguration remarks by:
Inauguration Weekend Videos
Inaugural Address by Ian Baucom
In his inaugural remarks, President Baucom spoke on the theme of ‘What is Middlebury For?’ Read the full text.
James E. Ryan Inauguration Remarks
The former president and current professor at the University of Virginia spoke about the role of the president as teacher. Read the full text.
Julia Alvarez ’71 Inauguration Remarks
The author and Middlebury alumna spoke about what Middlebury has meant to her life. Read the full text.
Faculty Roundtable: Cultivating Democratic Citizens
Pedagogy, character, and critical capacities. Moderated by President Ian Baucom.
Faculty Roundtable: Contested Legacies and Institutional Responsibilities
Power, knowledge, and democratic purpose. Moderated by President Ian Baucom.
About President Baucom
Schedule of Events
Below are events planned in celebration of the presidential inauguration. We also invite you to view the Middlebury College Events Calendar for additional activities happening that weekend.
Friday, October 31
Wilson Hall
Meet and Greet with President Baucom
Open to all Middlebury staff
Middlebury staff, please join President Baucom in Wilson Hall for a casual meet and greet. This is an excellent opportunity for staff to stop by, say hello, and chat with him over light refreshments—no formal agenda, just good conversation and connection. We hope to see you there!
Atwater Dining Hall
Student Lunch with President Baucom
President Ian Baucom will be stopping by Atwater Dining Hall to share a meal and conversation with students. This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and chat in a relaxed setting.
Middlebury Chapel (outside)
Carillon Performance
Open to the Public
Enjoy the music of College Carilloneur George Matthew.
Dana Auditorium
Academic Roundtables
Open to the public
Join us for three engaging roundtable sessions exploring the role of higher education in today’s world. Attend one, two, or all sessions.
ROUNDTABLE ONE, 2–3 p.m. Cultivating Democratic Citizens—Pedagogy, Character, and Critical Capacities
Moderated by Ian B. Baucom, president and professor of English
James Calvin Davis, George Adams Ellis Prof of Liberal Arts; Professor of Religion
The Liberal Arts and Democratic Character: A Historical Perspective
Amit Prakash, Visiting Assistant Professor of Global Studies
Freedom, Equality, and the Liberal Arts
Shawna Shapiro, Professor of Writing and Linguistics
Critical Language Awareness: A Key Democratic Competency for a Global Liberal Arts College
Hector Vila, Associate Professor of Writing & Rhetoric
Liberal Arts in the AI Era: Cultivating Critical Citizens for Democratic Engagement
Damascus Kafumbe, Edward C. Knox Professor of International Studies; Professor of Music
African Music and Dance Performance Pedagogy as Democratic Practice
ROUNDTABLE TWO, 3–4 p.m. : Contested Legacies and Institutional Responsibilities—Power, Knowledge, and Democratic Purpose
Moderated by Ian B. Baucom, president and professor of English
Marybeth Nevins, Associate Professor of Anthropology
Middlebury and the Conflicting Legacies of James and Schoolcraft: Navigating Conflicting Legacies
Laurie Essig, Professor of Gender, Sexuality & Feminist Studies
The Urgency of Gender Studies in an Anti-Gender World
Matt Lawrence, Dahl Family Professor of Computational Social Sciences
The Functions of Higher Education in a Democracy
Jonathan Miller-Lane, Associate Professor of Education
Middlebury Should Not Make Claims That in Being for the Liberal Arts It Is for Democracy
ROUNDTABLE THREE, 4–5 p.m.: Leading Through Action and Connection—Climate Responsibility as Liberal Arts Practice
Moderated by Bill McKibben, Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies
Jon Isham, Professor of Economics/Environmental Studies
On Pragmatism, Patience, and Love
Jonathan Cummings, Research Scholar
Responsible Decision Making: Bringing Decision Science to Middlebury
Minna Brown ‘07, Climate Action Program Director
From Theatre to Geology to Advocacy: Empowering Climate Action Pathways
Curt Gervich, School of Environment Director
How to Fulfill Your Responsibility to the Planet Through Local Action and Community Building
College Park
Halloween at College Park
Open to the public
Celebrate Halloween with live Afropop music and festive treats. Enjoy the sounds of a vibrant performance at College Park. President Baucom and his family will be across the street at 3 South Street handing out donuts, cider, and hot cocoa for trick-or-treaters and guests. Come in costume or just come as you are.
Saturday, November 1
Johnson Memorial Building
Meet and Greet with President Baucom
Open to all Middlebury faculty
Faculty, you’re invited to join President Baucom in Johnson for a relaxed meet and greet. This is an excellent chance for faculty to drop in, say hello, and enjoy light refreshments while chatting informally with the president. There’s no set agenda—just a time for good conversation and connection. We look forward to seeing you there.
Davis Family Library, First Floor
Open House at Special Collections
Open to the Public
Join us at the Davis Library Special Collections to celebrate Middlebury’s rich history on the occasion of our 225th anniversary! Explore a curated showcase of rare documents, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of our vibrant community through the centuries. This open house offers a unique opportunity to dive into Middlebury’s past, discover fascinating historical treasures, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts.
All are welcome—come and be part of this special celebration!
Middlebury Chapel (outside)
Carillon Performance
Open to the Public
Enjoy the music of College Carilloneur George Matthew.
The Axinn Center
Poster Fair
Open to the public
Join us for a community-wide Poster Fair in Axinn. Faculty, staff, and students will showcase what’s happening in the classroom through their engaging posters. Enjoy a prosecco bar (ID required) and light appetizers as you explore the displays. Four featured presenters will host a Q&A session focused on the inauguration.
Mahaney Arts Center
A Celebration of the Arts at Middlebury
Open to the public
Join us at the Mahaney Arts Center for a special evening of performing, visual, and literary arts. Featured performances include:
Exhibitions of student work in film, studio art, costume design
Middlebury College Orchestra
Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble
Middlebury College Choir
Theatre: These Shining Lives*
Dance Company of Middlebury
Dance: Student Works and Improvisation
Open hours at the Museum: exhibitions Le Petit Salon and Giovanni Battista Piranesi: Visions of Grandeur
Before I Die… student-initiated public art project
Portrait booth
NER Out Loud with Oratory Now
Makerspace: First Prototypes
Displays of garments from the Historic Clothing Collection
Día de los Muertos Celebration
and more!
Sample several events in half hour blocks during the course of the evening. Most events are free, with no tickets required. *Tickets are required for “These Shining Lives,” presented by the Department of Theatre, available now at the Middlebury Box Office.
Sunday, November 2
Virtue Field House
Installation Ceremony
Open to the public
Middlebury will install Ian B. Baucom as Middlebury’s 18th president. The ceremony will begin at 10:15 a.m. at Virtue Field House on the Middlebury College campus.