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Inauguration

Beloit College inaugurated its 12th President, Eric Boynton, on Friday, November 3, 2023.

The inaugural platform party poses for a group photo with President Eric Boynton before the ceremony.

Moments from the ceremony

The platform party stands while faculty and staff enter Eaton Chapel.

The platform party stands while of faculty and staff enter Eaton Chapel.

Pastor Coliér McNair opens the Inauguration ceremony by leading everyone in a prayer.

Provost and Dean of the College Donna Oliver delivers greetings to President Eric Boynton from the faculty.

Saumyaa Gupta’24 presents greetings to President Eric Boynton on behalf of the international community.

Board of Trustees Chair Richard M. Niemiec’65 invests Eric Boynton with the position as Beloit College President.

President Eric Boynton speaks to the crowd during his inaugural address.

President Eric Boynton shakes hands with the crowd during the ceremony recessional.

Watch the inauguration ceremony

Introducing President Boynton

President Eric Boynton shakes hands with a fellow colleague. Eric Boynton is an innovator and change expert with more than two decades of experience in higher education and nearly 15 years of leadership experience, including four years at the highest level of Beloit College’s executive leadership team. From 2019 to 2023 he served as Beloit’s Provost and Dean — the college’s chief academic officer — and a professor of philosophy.

Boynton came to Beloit from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, where he chaired the philosophy and religious studies department, directed the interdisciplinary studies program and the Black studies program, and founded and directed the honors program. He holds a Ph.D. in the philosophy of religion from Rice University, a master’s degree in religious studies from Vanderbilt University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands.

Full Biography

Schedule of Events

We welcome all to join us in person for this historic moment. Those who cannot are encouraged to participate remotely via a livestream.

Nov. 3rd, 2023

All Day: Presidential Inauguration of Eric Boynton, Various locations
Noon - 1:30 p.m.: Presidential Investiture Ceremony, Edward Dwight Eaton Chapel
1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Presidential Inauguration Hors d’oeuvres Reception, Sanger Center for the Sciences, Atrium
7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.: President’s Inaugural Bash, The Powerhouse

President’s House

President's House at Beloit College. The home, on the corner of Chapin and College Streets, was designed in 1851 in the Federal style by architect Lucas Bradley for Beloit’s first president, Aaron L. Chapin, and extensively remodeled in the Victorian style in the 1870s. At the time of the renovation, the home was still the private residence of the Chapin family.

Ellen Chapin (President Chapin’s daughter) gave the house to Beloit in 1937.

President Boynton and his wife, Julie, recently settled into the President’s House with their three pups, Vivi, Jolene, and Talulah.

History of Beloit

Students enjoying a picnic. Beloit College was chartered by a group of educated, innovative New Englanders in 1846—two years before the Wisconsin territory became a state. Since then, our students, faculty, and staff have created a campus that seeks to push boundaries, defy expectations, challenge societal norms. That’s just the Beloit way.

College History

Previous Presidents

Information for Visitors

The aerial view of Beloit College campus in spring.

Navigating Campus

Those coming to campus should navigate first to 700 College St, Beloit, WI 53511. Visitors are encouraged to see the Logan Museum of Anthropology and Wright Museum of Art during their visit.

Campus map

Lodging and food

Beloit has many hotels, including those in walking distance. Plenty of food options, from burgers to sushi.

local accommodations

Contact

Visitors: Please contact Erica Daniels (danielsei@beloit.edu) with any questions.
Media: Please contact Elizabeth Conlisk (conliske@beloit.edu) with any questions or inquiries.

Thank you to those who joined us for this historic moment in Beloit College’s history.