by Bryan Jones and Raven Mackey
Not everyone gets a year to experience a job before they officially take on the role, but Dr. Kyle Marrero of the University of West Georgia did just that. He began serving as the president of UWG in July of 2013, but a year and three months later he was formally inducted as the seventh president in its history on September 19, 2014.
Before joining as president of UWG, Dr. Marrero was the vice president for University Advancement at the University of West Florida. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance from Bowling Green State University and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Marrero was led into the UWG Coliseum by an inaugural procession that included student representatives, staff and faculty donned in academic regalia, delegates from institutions around Georgia and the southeast, and other dignitaries such as regents from the University System of Georgia and state and local government officials. Ceremony stands were filled with student, faculty, staff, and community leaders and supporters of UWG, and the event was presided over by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Micheal Crafton.
Following a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner performed by Dr. Marrero’s wife, renowned opera singer Dr. Jane Redding Marrero, the ceremony opened with an invocation from the Marrero family’s pastor, Andrew Hendley, of King’s Chapel Presbyterian Church of Carrollton. Philip Wilheit, Sr., regent of the University System of Georgia, lavished praise on Dr. Marrero’s drive for the success of the school.
“Dr. Marrero brings new energy and vision to a campus that is already energized and vibrant that’s located in a dynamic, strategic location here in west Georgia,” says Regent Wilheit.
Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, UWG president emeritus and predecessor of Dr. Marrero, wished upon Dr. Marrero the success of each previous president of the university, including himself.
“I wish for you the same good fortune that he had,” he adds. “Of walking among the best faculty, staff and student body possible and the best community support and the same wonderful family support that he had.”
Sandra Santiago, president of the Student Government Association, shared her appreciation of Dr. Marrero’s commitment to student success.
“Even in a time of transition, our student body was not forgotten, but actually invited to the table to work with Dr. Marrero since day one of his presidency,” she says. “Given the dedication he has given this partnership, I am excited to imagine the improvement and progress that will be made by the university and student bodies to come.”
After accepting the solemn charge given to him by the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, Henry “Hank” Huckaby, and having the medallion of office secured, Dr. Marrero took to the podium with his customary smile and sense of humor. He immediately drew laughter from the crowd before sharing his vision of success as a university president.
With a background in music, and prior to his position in advancement at University of West Florida, he served as first the chair of the Department of Music and then as the director of the School of Fine and Performing Arts. He explained that being a university president is similar to managing an opera, and that performing a piece of music is much like the trust held by the alumni of an institution.
“I sincerely believe in order for a president to be successful one must honor the past,” declares Dr. Marrero. “They must understand the traditions, honor those who made the institution what it is today and forge a future vision that will propel growth, relevance and transformation impact on its students, faculty, staff and community.”
Dr. Marrero spoke passionately about the importance of having a unified goal for the university and how to achieve that goal.
“Our goal at the University of West Georgia is to create the strongest leadership team possible as we work to become the best comprehensive university in the nation sought after as the best place to work, learn and succeed,” he says.
While Dr. Marrero may be known for his infectious smile and outpouring of energy, his passion for the future of UWG was evident in his speech. The core of Dr. Marrero’s vision as outlined in his speech, focuses on four major imperatives: student, academic, partnership and operational success. These imperatives will be the focal point for programs that will be employed university wide to pursue the overall mission and vision.
“Our programs will address current and evolving workforce needs and remain aligned with the needs of the community, the region the state and beyond,” says Dr. Marrero. “My goal, indeed our goal, is to honor the past and forge the new West. The new West will be achieved with our collaborative efforts and passion of all my colleagues, our community and our alumni.”
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