The Rule of Three: Baptist Health Sciences University's Inauguration of Hampton Hopkins, Ed.D.

Baptist Health Sciences University hosted a presidential inauguration for T. Hampton Hopkins, Ed.D., on Friday, March 22 at the Frank S. Groner auditorium on the university’s campus. He is the third president since the school started offering a four-year baccalaureate program in 1994.

“Being selected as the third president of Baptist Health Sciences University was a great honor,” said President Hopkins. “I am grateful to everyone who had a role in welcoming me to BHSU and celebrating with me today. I look forward to contributing my professional experience and personal convictions to further the mission of BHSU and helping prepare the next generation of health care professionals to lead and serve.”

The week before the inauguration was filled with various events, including an inauguration chapel, a chili chow cookoff, a polar plunge, and Dr. Hopkins serving as the Peabody Hotel Duckmaster.

Inauguration Chapel

The University community gathered in the Groner Auditorium on March 18 for the Inaugural Chapel. The "Pathways of Blessings" event allowed everyone to pray for Hampton and his wife, Olivia, and brought a spirit of togetherness among the students, faculty, and staff of the university.

Chili Chow Cookoff

On the following day, March 19, the university hosted an exciting chili cookoff where eleven teams, comprised of faculty, staff, and students, competed against each other. The judges scored the dishes based on various criteria, including booth decorations, visual appearance, aroma, taste, spice/zip, and heartiness, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the BHSU community.

Polar Plunge

The BHSU community came together on March 20 for the polar plunge event. 12 faculty and staff members joined Dr. Hopkins in a polar plunge dive at the Campus Hub pool to raise funds for a charity chosen by Hopkins. The BHSU community donated money to vote for which individual they wanted to see plunge into the water. For two weeks, students, faculty, and staff eagerly awaited and donated for their favorite or least favorite person to jump into the freezing water, with WANTED posters plastered all over the campus. On the day of the event, a decree was issued that all participants must jump into the pool, raising funds for the determined charity.

Peabody Hotel DuckMaster

On March 21, the Peabody Hotel in Downtown Memphis bestowed Dr. Hopkins with the honor of leading the ducks to the Lobby Fountain from their rooftop cage at 11 a.m. The hotel guests, including the BHSU community, gathered in the lobby, eagerly awaiting the celebrated march of the ducks. With the official duckmaster cane in hand, Dr. Hopkins guided the ducks through the hotel's hallways, leaving a trail of awe-struck guests in their wake. The event was a delightful spectacle that left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it.

Inauguration Ceremony

Julia Pilgrim, pianist at Second Baptist Church in Memphis, provided music throughout the ceremony. Chaplain Karen Smith, director of Faith and Service, delivered the invocation.

BHSU Board of Directors Chair Beverly Jordan welcomed guests. Allysen Lancaster, BHSU student, offered a scripture reading from Luke 12:48.

The following speakers provided greetings to President Hopkins: Chair of BHSU Alumni Association Heidi Hordyk, Faculty Senate President Lilian Nyindodo, Vice President of Administrative Services Adonna Caldwell, Student Government Association President Shania Fields and Baptist Memorial Health Care President and CEO Jason Little.

During the installation of the president, the school’s most recent president, Betty Sue McGarvey, presented the academic mace and Beverly Jordan offered the president's medallion.

“I was thrilled to help officially welcome Hampton Hopkins as president of Baptist Health Sciences University,” said Beverly. “An inauguration is such a special ceremony steeped in history and academic excellence. I look forward to working closely with President Hopkins and supporting his efforts to advance BHSU’s footprint and academic excellence.”

President Hopkins took the podium and delivered his inaugural speech to a crowd of 250 in attendance. His speech centered around the theme of the omne trium perfectum—the rule of three. Being the third president to serve at Baptist, Hopkins discussed not only the symbolism but also the practical concept of the rule of three and how it will serve as his foundation.

“Three areas of focus must guide us on the journey as we look to the future of BHSU,” says Hopkins. “We must be creative and innovative. We must lead with renewed vision and values. We must seek to be different from our competition.”

Throughout his address, he spoke about what that looks like for the university, and the importance of embracing change and adapting to new challenges. President Emeritus Dr. Rose Y. Temple attended the event as a special guest, adding to the sense of community and continuity at BHSU.

Dean of Nursing Cathy Stepter sang the school’s alma mater by Ray D. Hatton. Taylor Erb, BHSU student, offered the benediction, Psalm 25:4–5.

 

The week-long celebration leading up to the inauguration of Dr. Hampton Hopkins as the new president of Baptist Health Sciences University was a memorable experience for the university community. The various events showcased the creativity and diversity of the BHSU community, and the inauguration ceremony was a grand affair that marked the beginning of a new era for the university. We wish Dr. Hopkins all the best in his new role as the president of Baptist Health Sciences University.