PEORIA, Ill. – It’s a “new day” in Peoria.
That’s the phrase used to describe the beginning of James Shadid’s tenure as the 13th president of Bradley University.
Shadid was introduced to Peoria and the Bradley community for the first time on Tuesday afternoon, with a ceremony at Renaissance Coliseum. The former federal judge was named president last month, taking over the role from Stephen Standifird, who stepped away in June.
Shadid says he wants to build upon the legacy of the university’s founder, Lydia Moss Bradley, even bringing the university’s charter that was handwritten by Bradley
He says he’s grateful for the opportunity, and says Bradley’s best days are ahead. Shadid also wants the community to come together.
“We will not achieve everything in one day, and maybe not in a thousand days, but let us begin, and let us begin as one Bradley,” Shadid said.
Shadid also urged people in the Bradley community to not lose sight of what the university means, and to work with community partners to build a vibrant footprint.
Shadid also used the ceremony to announce his first initiative with Bradley. An anonymous donor has provided the funds to give Bradley’s students, faculty, and staff free admission to the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Before Shadid spoke, interim president Jon Michael offered a final message before returning to his role on Bradley’s Board of Trustees. Michael called being the interim president “one of the greatest honors of my life.”
“What was reaffirmed every single day is that Bradley is an extraordinary place, filled with remarkable people, people who care deeply about its success,” Michael said.
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