Dr. Marion Terenzio was inaugurated as SUNY Cobleskill's 12th president-the first woman in the college's 100-year history to hold the position-in ceremonies Friday.
"And we have to ask: What took so long?" said State Senator Jim Seward, one of the event's speakers, to applause.
"I can say with certainty that we have the right woman in Dr. Terenzio," he added.
Also singing Dr, Terenzio's-and SUNY Cobleskill's--praises was Congressman Chris Gibson.
"I'm so incredibly proud of this institution," Congressman Gibson said. "In an area where agriculture is still so important, SUNY Cobleskill leads by example."
Dr. Terenzio was appointed president at SUNY Cobleskill on July 1, 2015.
Prior to that, she was vice president for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Bloomfield College in New Jersey and professor at the Troy-based Sage Colleges, where she also served as vice president for Campus Life.
Friday's ceremony began with a processional that included delegates from more than two dozen colleges as well as SUNY Cobleskill faculty, students and staff; representatives from the College Foundation, College Council and Foundation, and Alumni Association.
Music was provided by the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School Ceremonial Band and Select Choir and the SUNY Cobleskill Choir.
Thomas Porter, spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsioharek offered the invocation.
Other speakers included: Olive Scott, chair of the College Council; Professor Angelika Hoeher, presiding officer of the faculty; Clara Richardson, president of the Student Government Association; Jamienne Studley, former deputy undersecretary of Postsecondary Education; and Richard Levao, president of Bloomfield College.
Dr. Terenzio's investiture was by SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, who also spoke.
The Schoharie County American Legion provided the honor guard and Colin Wilson was the bagpiper.
A reception followed the ceremony.