Philip C. Williams was sworn in last Thursday as the University of Montevallo&8217;s 14th president.

Although Williams has been on campus since Aug. 1, his official investiture was part of the University&8217;s 110th Founders&8217; Day celebration.

Williams took the oath of office in the Robert M. McChesney Student Activity Center, named for his immediate predecessor, and spoke of his respect for Montevallo&8217;s past and his ambition for its future.

&8220;When I consider all the progress that has been made at the University of Montevallo since 1896, it would be tempting for me to kick back and rest on the laurels,&8221; said Williams, in his inaugural address. &8220;But the diploma that we confer upon these seniors ought to be worth even more in the year 2010. And by continuing this tradition of ever-increasing quality, that same diploma should be worth more still in the year 2020, and so on.&8221;

Williams compared his new role as president to building a staircase, where his job is to &8220;ensure that another flight of stairs is always under construction while the foundation is kept stable and solid.&8221;

In the weeks ahead, Williams said his main objective is to meet as much of the University community as possible. The president said he would be scheduling town hall meetings, focus group sessions and informal discussions.

&8220;I will be seeking input from every segment of this amazing university community and from every stakeholder who holds an interest in our success.&8221;

During the inauguration program, Williams was welcomed to campus by the University&8217;s faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as Montevallo Mayor Sharon Anderson and the Alabama&8217;s Higher Education community.

&8220;In the short time that I have worked with Dr. Williams, I have concluded that Montevallo is truly fortunate to have such a fine leader among us,&8221; said Brandt Montgomery, Student Government Association president. &8220;He has demonstrated an open, consultative and collaborative form of leadership.&8221;

Williams came to Montevallo from Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C., where he served as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college.

In his diverse background, Williams has work as a corporate lawyer for Sea World and written a legal guide for the American Bar Association. He has also written children&8217;s books and adult murder mysteries. He earned his Ph.D. in public health policy and administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, having taught health courses in China