R. Bowen Loftin, who throughout his first month in Columbia has impressed students and faculty alike with his engaging personality and consistent wear of bow ties, was officially welcomed as the MU Chancellor Wednesday afternoon.

Approximately 100 people attended his welcome reception in Stotler Lounge, which was preceded by an hour of meet-and-greet time.

Sophomore Joy Martin set the mood of the room before the official ceremony began by playing the piano. She said she was excited to have the opportunity.

“It gets my name out there,” she said. “People find out that they can use pianists at these events.”

Several MU leaders, including Missouri Student Association President Mason Schara and Graduate Professional Council President Jake Wright, gave speeches before Loftin made his way to the podium.

“The sort of loyalty Loftin has already cultivated at Mizzou only happens when it’s all about the students,” Wright said during the ceremony. “(He) genuinely wants to know about students and know what he can do to help students succeed. Leadership that is all about the students means everything.”

Schara said he has been impressed with Loftin and how eager he has been to interact with students.

“Although he may not be an official member of Residential Life, he lives on campus with all of the freshmen,” Schara said during the ceremony.

Loftin said that his wife, Karen, had significant input in the decision to transition to MU. He cited her fondness for warm weather that they enjoyed during their time at Texas A&M University.

“If she had said ‘no’, then we wouldn’t be here,” he said during the ceremony.

Loftin ended his speech by sharing his vision for the university.

“Ultimately, this place was created for one purpose: educating students,” he said. “This university has the opportunity to become the model land grant university. We have a mission to be an example to all.”

Wright said Loftin’s vision is very ambitious and that the university is well positioned to fulfill it.

“Everybody had a lot of great things to say about (Loftin) because there is nothing not to like about him,” he said.

Schara said he felt blessed to have been a part of the ceremony and that he is fully onboard with Loftin’s vision.

“MSA always says that we want to be the example for the rest of the country and (Loftin) agrees with that,” he said.

Loftin, who officially became the MU Chancellor at the beginning of February, said that he has enjoyed his time on campus so far.

“We look forward to being truly, truly a part of the Mizzou family,” he said. “It’s all about the students. Without the students, we would have no purpose.”