BANGOR, Maine — Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan is making history as Husson University's first-ever female president.
Coy-Ogan was inaugurated Friday but assumed the role this summer after serving in leadership positions with Husson University for nearly two decades. She first served as dean of the School of Education and most recently as senior vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost.
“It’s been a delight to be able to work with students at all levels of their development and to work with families and help them understand the power education has to promote strong futures and opportunities for students,” Coy-Ogan said.
The inauguration celebration comes with the announcement of a $2.18 million donation from alumni Bob O'Keeffe that will go toward supporting the transformation of Husson University.
“It's going to touch many aspects of this campus, from infrastructure to scholarships to a presidential fund that will allow us to meet the needs of our students,” Dan Hutchins, Husson University alumni and Board of Trustees Chair, said.
Hutchins hopes to continue to pay forward the experience he had at the university.
“I am looking to work with President Coy-Ogan for one of the greatest experiences of my life, because there is nothing more important to me then to be able to give back to this university and to be able to have hundreds and thousands of students to have the same experience I have had,” Hutchins said.
Hutchins and Coy-Ogan are planning to work alongside each other to support students and launch them into their future careers.
“Understanding how to position the university to continue to provide students with an outstanding education and ready them for careers that haven’t even been conceptualized yet will be a strong focus here at Husson University,” Coy-Ogan said.
The university will continue to celebrate the inauguration of the president with a series of events including a homecoming tailgate and a meet and greet with the president.