John Bardo, the 13th president of Wichita State University, will be inaugurated in a ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, in the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th St. N.

The public is invited to attend.

Bardo became the WSU president on July 1. Most recently, Bardo served as chancellor of Western Carolina University.

His first academic appointment was at Wichita State as an assistant professor of sociology. He also worked and taught in the Hugo Wall Center for Urban Studies.

Bardo's academic interests involve the relationships between higher education, the economy and quality of life. He speaks regularly on issues associated with the new economy and building competitiveness.

The inaugural speaker will be Charlie Nelms, chancellor from 2007 to 2012 at North Carolina Central University, where he set ambitious goals for increasing retention and graduation rates.

Nelms is currently launching a national initiative to transform Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Inaugural remarks will be delivered by Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback.

The oath of office will be conducted by District Judge Eric F. Melgren, with Gov. Brownback presenting the presidential medallion.

Bardo will deliver the inaugural address.

An inaugural reception will be held immediately following the installation ceremony.