President Thomas Newsom is officially Pittsburg State University's 11th President. The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts hosted his formal investiture ceremony on Monday. Pitt State staff and professors filled the Linda and Lee Scott Performance Hall during his afternoon formal initiation. Representatives from higher education institutions in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas were also in attendance.
Newsom has been the university’s President since June 2025. The investiture marked his official installation as Pitt State’s 11th President.
The ceremony began with Pomp and Circumstance as the four college banners, representing Arts and Science, Business, Education, and Technology, processed into the performance hall. The professors of each banner followed the banner's bearer.
Susan Bon, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, began the remarks.
"This ceremony connects us to a tradition that stretches back centuries, one that reminds us that leadership in higher education is not just about administration. It is also about stewardship. It is about protecting the values that define us," said Bon.
Five speakers represented the faculty, students, staff, foundation, and alumni in their greetings to President Newsom.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly gave the first greeting. She said Newsom understands what Pitt State needs to be successful for the state and the Southeast Kansas region.
"We look forward to working alongside you to strengthen academic excellence, to support innovation, and ensure that Pittsburgh State continues to transform lives through education," said Kelly.
Angela Mayer, President of the Pitt State Alumni Association, said Monday's investiture marked a meaningful milestone.
"We stand ready to support you, to champion your vision, and to continue strengthening the legacy we all hold dear," said Mayer.
At the beginning of his speech, Newsom said he had decided to write it himself.
"This is a day and a ceremony that has my investiture as the headline, but I hope the story will read that this is a celebration for Pittsburgh State University. Celebrating both the past and the future of our great institution and our community," he said.
On top of this week being Newsom's investiture, it's also GoPitt!Week – a week-long celebration of the University.
There are also signs throughout campus with the acronym T.A.G —- thank a gorilla.
"Thank a gorilla calls out all of those great things that our alumni and our donors and our friends are doing for our university and have done for us in the past," he said.
At the beginning of his speech, Newsom said he felt "his emotions would get the best of him."
He got the most emotional when he thanked his family. His parents, Don and Carol Newsom, were in the audience.
"Mom and Dad, thank you. Without the sacrifices that you made for your two boys, I wouldn't have the honor of standing here today," he added.
Newsom and his wife, Vicky, have three kids. He thanked his wife for supporting his career and for being 'his best friend and soulmate.'
Their daughter, Katie, was in the audience. His two sons, Will and John, couldn't make it to the event.
In his closing remarks, he said there are plans in motion to improve Heckert-Wells, and Yates lecture halls for STEM and healthcare programs, and funds to support student access through scholarships and endowments.
He said he is honored to be the 11th President of Pitt State.
"My responsibility is to lead this University, with your help and counsel, to be all that it can be. To wake up every morning and say, "I don't have a job, I don't have a career."
His investiture address closed by saying Pitt State's tagline - once a gorilla, always a gorilla.
The ceremony concluded with a Music Education major singing the University's alma mater.
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