Gogue performing admirably, formally or not

Apparently, Jay Gogue has been Auburn University’s informal president since his first day in office at Samford Hall last July. Auburn officials sent word this week that Gogue will be formally installed as the university’s 18th president today.

Regardless of the formalities, it’s been almost a year since Gogue came to Auburn – ending a comprehensive search for Dr. Ed Richardson’s replacement. Richardson served as interim president for three years and guided the school through stormy waters to safety.

Richardson handed Auburn to Gogue in better shape than he found it, and Gogue has certainly taken good care of the institution.

After nearly a year on the job, Gogue has done an excellent job of reaching out to the Auburn community and has brought the Auburn family together. He’s been very accessible, which is something his predecessors cannot say.

Gogue has performed admirably during a very difficult time through the murder of freshman student Lauren Burk.

He has proven to be an excellent ambassador and representative of Auburn University and has been very open to suggestions from faculty, staff, alumni and students. One of his first priorities was seeking input and developing a 10-year strategic plan for the school. That’s vision.

Great things are happening at Auburn, with the most comprehensive construction project in history and continued development of the research park. It’s clear that Gogue was a great hire. The Auburn family should feel very confident it has a permanent captain at the helm who has his sights set firmly upon the horizon, and for the first time in a long time, there are no brewing storm clouds in sight.