At first, Robert Harris didn’t understand Chancellor Charlie Nelms’ vision for N.C. Central University. But after Nelms’ inauguration speech last Friday, the computer information systems senior from Maryland said he has a better understanding of what the school’s tenth chief administrator wants to do.

About 2,500 people, including Durham mayor William “Bill” Bell, county commissioner Ellen Reckhow and UNC system president Erskine Bowles, gathered in the McClendon-McDougald Gymnasium to watch Nelms become officially sworn in as chancellor.

Nelms, in his inaugural address, stressed five changes he plans to make at the university.

He wants to raise expectations for students, faculty and staff; embrace collaboration between groups within and beyond campus; create “wise” investments in academic programs and services; better utilize financial and human resources while creating more avenues to expand the University and create a stronger sense of community within the school.

“We must demonstrate [this] through the quality of our programs and services that we are competitive, relevant and responsive,” said Nelms, who asked the NCCU community to support his vision.

“The question is not whether we can achieve the vision, but whether or not we have the will to do so.”

Nelms stressed the continued importance of HBCUs while addressing the need to improve NCCU’s academic success, student life, community service and graduate education and research.

He pointed out the need for continued financial alumni support and plans to add additional staff to achieve that goal.

Nelms’ inauguration was the culmination of three days of events, which included a forum, food drive and a student art exhibition.

Prior to arriving at NCCU last summer, Nelms, 60, served as vice-president for Institutional Develop-ment and Student Affairs for the Indiana University system.

After Nelms’ speech, Harris, the computer information senior, said he had a better understanding of Nelms’ vision.

“He knows the way he wants the school to go,” he said.