The Start of a New Era

Dr. Daniel A. Wubah was inaugurated as the 15th president of Millersville University on April 18, 2019. In a ceremony on the Quad, the campus celebrated with the splendor of color, uplifting music and outdoor excitement.

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters came out in impressive numbers to participate in this historic event. Most notably, a number of family members and delegates from Wubah’s native country, Ghana, including two tribal kings, their families and his high school mates, traveled for the festivities. In celebration of Wubah’s history and status as tribal king at Breman Asikuma in Ghana’s Central Region, African music, fashion and food were highlights in the day’s events.

“Today marks the formal opening of a new era,” Wubah said to the crowd. “One of the most common questions that I am often asked is: What is your vision for Millersville University? I believe the best vision for our University is the one that we will develop together.”

He stated that, in this next chapter, Millersville’s goal will be “excellence without elitism” for all of our students, including first-generation college students, with whom he feels a particular kinship through his own educational journey.

“My father passed away in an automobile accident when I was 7 years old, so my mother had to raise her four children by herself on the income of a seamstress,” he shared. “Therefore, it is not a stretch to say that my experience growing up in Ghana was not unlike that of a first-generation college student. I guess that is why I have a sincere affinity to our first-generation students. Because of her life experiences, my mom vowed to educate all her children to their highest ability. She strived to accomplish that goal, but I doubt she ever imagined that her second-born son would end up as the president of a university in the United States.”

DR. LINWOOD ROSE, president emeritus of James Madison University and Wubah’s mentor, provided remarks during the ceremony. “Leadership is important in good times and bad. It is in the challenging times that the focus falls on the leader,” Rose shared. “When there is uncertainty in our eyes, we look to leaders for purpose and predictability. When our minds are clouded by complexity and ambiguity, we look to our leaders for clarity. When our hearts are burdened by grief, stress or doubt, we look to our leaders for comfort and hope. Ladies and gentlemen, I am here today to tell you that should any of these conditions confront you, the leader you will seek has been found. He is sitting here and his name is Daniel Wubah.”

For more information, media coverage and photos of the Inauguration, visit millersville.edu/president/inauguration.