Pearigen began his term July 1 after Millsaps' Board of Trustees selected him to serve as president earlier this year. Pearigen previously served as vice president for university relations and as a political science professor for University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. He obtained his doctorate degree in political science from Duke University in 1976.
In 1987, Pearigen began his academic administrative career as dean of students at the University of the South. As dean, he oversaw the student affairs division, led projects for new campus buildings and spearheaded campus restoration efforts.
Today's inauguration begins at 10:30 a.m. with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham, who will give a speech on "The Liberal Arts in a Global Age."
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