Sherman residents gathered at Austin College on Monday for the inauguration of Dr. Rebecca Cantor, the institution’s 17th president. The ceremony took place in the campus chapel and was filled with students, faculty and alumni, all offering a warm welcome as Cantor officially assumed her role, which began in July.
According to KXII, Cantor arrives with a strong academic background, having served as provost and chief academic officer at Spring Hill College in Alabama before accepting the presidency at Austin College. Her transition to Sherman marks a continuation of her leadership experience in higher education.
Dallas Key, executive director of the Austin College Center for Career and Professional Development, highlighted Cantor’s deliberate effort to become visible on campus. “It was very clearly an intentional effort for her to get on campus, and to make sure that she was getting to know people, and so it’s not uncommon at all to see her walk working from one side of campus to another with a student or just having a conversation, frankly, here on the mall,” Key said, emphasizing her hands‑on approach to connecting with the college community.
The packed chapel underscored the enthusiasm of the Austin College community. Attendees listened as Cantor addressed the crowd, outlining her vision for the college and expressing gratitude for the support she has already received from students, faculty and alumni. While the full remarks were not detailed in the report, the presence of a broad cross‑section of the campus community suggested strong backing for her leadership.
Key also noted that Cantor’s integration into the “Roo” community—a nickname for Austin College—has already begun, with her walking the campus grounds and engaging directly with individuals across the institution. This visible presence aligns with the college’s tradition of close interaction between administration and students.
Although no specific upcoming events were announced during the inauguration, Cantor’s start in July and the enthusiastic reception indicate that the college will move forward with its academic calendar and community initiatives under her guidance.
For Sherman residents, the inauguration reinforces Austin College’s role as a local educational anchor, and Cantor’s leadership is expected to shape the college’s contributions to the city’s cultural and intellectual life in the months ahead.
Sources: kxii.com
