New Webster University Chancellor Tim Keane addressed students, staff and faculty for the first time at the fall 2024 convocation ceremony today, Aug. 23 in the Loretto-Hilton Center. The event was opened to students for the first time in at least 15 years.
Rather than a traditional convocation, defined as a large formal assembly, Keane urged the audience to think of the moment as “a celebration of that time of year when we come together and begin to imagine the possibilities.”
Keane has worked in higher education at five other universities after 20 years in the private business sector. He most recently served as dean of the Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego. Like Webster, three of these universities were connected to a global network, according to Keane.
“I can tell you that I am familiar with what makes Webster special,” Keane said. “Webster is the most diverse, innovative university I have ever come across.”
He spoke about Webster’s global presence and that its global reach extends further than any other university that he has been affiliated with. He emphasized the “tremendous” breadth of academic offerings at the university as well.
“The value that we offer to anyone who has a passion for learning is there. That value empowers anybody with that passion for learning to truly imagine the possibilities,” Keane said.
Each school within the university was represented with a brief speech by its respective dean. Chief Diversity Officer Vincent Flewellen took the stage to address the audience, noting Webster’s incoming class as being the most diverse in Webster’s history.
“Under previous leadership, we laid a strong foundation, but I am confident that with Chancellor Keane’s vision and commitment, we will differentiate Webster University as the university where DEI truly matters and everyone belongs,” Flewellen said.
In another effort to involve students, Keane invited Student Government Association President Matthew Langston to speak, where he encouraged students to get involved on campus.
“I was really pleased to see the turnout from the student side,” Langston said. “It turned out to be a really big and energetic event, and we all had a lot of fun. It was a great way to start off the school year.”
Sophomore Julia Meade said seeing the new chancellor on stage gave her hope for this school year.
“I think it was important that students were there to really see what Webster is all about,” Meade said. “Seeing all of the deans of the colleges have their own intros and contributions to Webster truly made the experience feel community based. It was an exciting experience that encouraged a sense of pride in our staff and students.”
At the convocation’s close, Keane invited the audience to Grant Gymnasium where they could enjoy St. Louis themed food that Keane specifically requested as a St. Louis native himself, including Ted Drewes, Gus’ Pretzels and gooey butter cake.