Kyle Farmbry was installed as Guilford's 10th President today, but chose to make the afternoon a celebration less about him and more about the College.
“Today really should not be about the President of Guilford but about its alumni, faculty, staff and most importantly, its students. Our College faces many critical questions, and it’s a perfect time to focus our energy as a community on our vision for where we are headed.”
On a day in which Guilford College celebrated community partners and alumni and friends that have sustained it through the years, Kyle W. Farmbry was formally installed as the 10th President of the College March 18.
The installation ceremony kicked off an afternoon-long festival on campus that was attended by several hundred people and included a student and community showcase, memorial tree planting and looking-forward reception.
President Farmbry noted the emphasis on community members and not himself in his remarks, and used the occasion to speak about a new strategic plan, “Envisioning Guilford 2027,” that will be rolled out this spring.
“Today really should not be about the President of Guilford but about its alumni, faculty, staff and most importantly, its students,” Kyle said. “Our College faces many critical questions, and it’s a perfect time to focus our energy as a community on our vision for where we are headed.”
As part of the forthcoming strategic plan, he said Guilford expects to launch a new Center for Campus and Community Engagement to frame many of its local service activities.
“We have a long history of service in Greensboro, and it is important that we think about our mission as being deeply intertwined with the wellbeing of our city,” he said. “We want to work with this great city of ours and with other stakeholders to tackle Greensboro’s challenges and celebrate Greensboro’s successes.”
Take a look at President Farmbry's Installation and Guilford's Day of Celebration.
Greensboro City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba spoke about the goal Kyle has expressed for Guilford having a more prominent role in partnering with the city.
“As we celebrate Kyle today I want us to also emulate his vision. A vision that sees that a community is not complete unless everything needed is attainable within it,” he said. “I congratulate you on your installation today. I consider you a strong partner as we strengthen this community together.
During the gathering in Dana Auditorium that kicked off the day’s activities, Kyle was installed by Board of Trustees’ chair Ione Taylor ’76. As part of a short ceremony, the President was presented with a lock and key from the original Founders Hall on campus as well as a presidential medallion to be worn on special occasions.
Other speakers at the event were Hope Williams, President of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, David Hopkins ’91, a trustee who co-chaired the Presidential search, and faculty, staff and student representatives.
Hope commented, “Tradition and history have helped shape the culture and characteristics of the Guilford College we know today. President Farmbry is leaning into the traditions of forward thinking, openness, social justice, and inclusiveness in working with the entire college community to strengthen Guilford for the future.”
David said, “Throughout the presidential search and selection process, from the moment his name was lifted from among some 70 or so candidates, Kyle demonstrated a unique and uncanny appeal and sensibility to the needs and opportunities, strengths and importance of our community, for each of you, your group, your place and your legacy.”
Brenda Swearingin and Taleisha Bowen ’05, who serve as clerks of faculty and staff in addition to their teaching and administrative responsibilities, expressed appreciation for Kyle’s openness to concerns and to listening to community members.
Tinyah Ervin ’23, speaking for students, said, “Guilford is so centered on its community and I appreciate the extra effort Kyle has put in to learn who we are and build us up.”
Kyle became Guilford’s President Jan. 1, 2022, having served at Rutgers University-Newark as a Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration and Dean of the Graduate School. A Philadelphia native, he has taught at three other universities, authored four books and been awarded American Council on Education and Fulbright fellowships.
He succeeded Jane Fernandes, who was the College’s ninth president from 2014-20. Interim Presidents Carol Moore and Jim Hood ’79 served during the search process.