PJC officially installs ninth president
Published or Revised September 12, 2024
Dr. Stephen Benson (top) is shown watching a video before directing the choir during his formal inauguration on Sept. 10, 2024. Dr. Johnette McKown and Dr. Ted Spring (seated) both shared memories and inspirational views of their former employee during the ceremony; shown behind them are Board of Regents members Dr. Linda Kapp, Josh Bray, Charles Lynch, and Shannon McGuire.
Music and testimonials from two college presidents highlighted the official inauguration of Paris Junior College’s ninth president, Dr. Stephen Benson, at the Love Civic Center in Paris, Texas on September 10. The ceremony blended old and new as part of PJC’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Hundreds watched the inauguration ceremony featuring an invocation from Christopher Withrow, president of Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society, and performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” by Dr. Michael Holderer, PJC music faculty. Dr. Lisa Elliott, Vice President of Student Services, was the master of ceremonies.
Demonstrating his love of music, Dr. Benson directed a volunteer choir in two songs, “Joy in the Morning,” and “For Good.” The first was written by Natalie Sleeth for the inauguration of her husband, Dr. Ronald Sleeth, as president of West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1976. The second was "For Good" (from the musical, "Wicked"), arranged by Mac Huff with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Both selections were accompanied by retired PJC music faculty Patricia Fowzer on piano and the first by Randy Bunch on trumpet. The choir was made up of community volunteers from Paris and Sulphur Springs, PJC alumni, staff and faculty, and the North Lamar High School choir.
Curtis Fendley, PJC Board of Regents president, presented the President’s Medal to Dr. Benson, formally installing him as the ninth president of PJC.
“This medal is considered a cornerstone of presidential regalia, proudly worn by the President at commencement and ceremonial occasions,” said Fendley, explaining that it was designed by President Emeritus Bobby R. Walters and retired jewelry faculty Ulla Raus.
Dr. Ted Spring, former president of New River Community & Technical College in West Virginia.
“Being here this morning is very, very special to me,” said Dr. Spring. “It’s honoring the legacy of those who served here at Paris. This is a moment for all of you to look back with pride at your history and look forward to building an even stronger institution.”
Spring relayed how he first met Dr. Benson when he was building New River Community College from scratch. He wanted someone with drive and vision and he was drawn to Benson’s background in music.
“Leading a choir requires bringing people together, diverse voices and talents, to create harmony, much like leading a college requires uniting the governing board, the administration, the faculty, the staff and the students to achieve common goals. His leadership was instrumental to the success of our institution and I have no doubt he has brought that same dedication and passion to Paris Junior College.”
Next to speak was Dr. Johnette McKown, president of McLennan Community College in Waco where Dr. Benson previously worked. She also worked for 14 years at PJC and she and her husband have fond memories of their time in the Paris community 35 years ago.
“When Dr. Benson told me he was considering being the president of PJC, I was sad and when he left our campus was in mourning," said McKown, "but I was so excited for you [Benson] because I knew it was a great place to work.”
“He [Benson] was a change-maker and an innovator for us,” said McKown. “In his quiet way he proposed ideas that just made us better. I was seeking a real leader, not a manager or accountant, and in Stephen I found an individual with incredible leadership skills and compassion for students and employees.”
McKown shared laudatory messages from MCC staff, faculty and students, and Waco community artists. She also warned the audience they were all about to become University of West Virginia fans.
In his comments concluding the ceremony, Benson said, “we will always celebrate and honor the past because our mission has not changed over time. We have always been and will continue to be a place that transforms lives, nurtures our students, and supports our communities. In a changing world, I am however reminded of a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ The path of the last 100 years has been paved by faculty members who inspired countless students, staff who have supported our students through the trials of life and the struggles of going to college, administrators and board of regents who shaped the vision and plans for the College, alumni, friends, and communities who saw the value in our work and supported us in many ways, and most important… the many students who entrusted us to help them grow. Together, they all forged a legacy that I am committed to upholding and advancing. I see a bold and exciting future for PJC, one that may not always have a clear path, but with confidence, we will as Emerson said, go where there is no path and we will leave a trail.
“I am excited for the future of Paris Junior College, for what we can do for our communities, for the impact we can make on the lives of our students, and for the ways that we as a college can become even stronger.”
He also singled out audience-member Ouida Edmiaston Black, a 1943 PJC graduate.
“Mrs. Black was inducted in the PJC Hall of Honor for her long-standing support in 1999,” said Benson. “Just as PJC is now 100 years old, so is Mrs. Black and we are honored that today, Mrs. Ouida Black is here in this place with us. These stories are all part of what makes this place special to many people.”