Capital U President Jared Tice Outlines 'Capital Rising' Vision at Investiture

Tice shares five 'shared promises' to guide the university into its next era.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:03am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a mortar board graduation cap, conceptually representing the academic tradition and transition of leadership at a university.The investiture of a new university president marks a significant milestone in the institution's history, as it charts a course for the future.Bexley Today

Jared Tice was formally invested as Capital University's 18th president, sharing his 'Capital Rising' vision for the university's future. The investiture ceremony celebrated Tice's commitment to justice, mercy, and humility as he leads Capital through challenges facing higher education today.

Why it matters

As Capital University approaches its 200th anniversary, Tice's investiture marks an important transition for the institution. With threats of funding cuts, restrictive legislation, and questions about the value of a college education, university presidents face significant challenges. Tice's 'Capital Rising' vision aims to preserve the university's history while also propelling it into the future.

The details

During the investiture ceremony, speakers praised Tice's embodiment of the mission in Micah 6:8 - to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Tice promised to make Capital's students his 'life's work' and shared a vision he titled 'Capital Rising,' rooted in five 'shared promises': purpose, people, pursuits, place, and resources. Tice likened this vision to a former Capital icon, 'the big elm' tree, which was a central meeting spot for students for over a century before being cut down due to disease.

  • Tice officially began his tenure as Capital University's 18th president on August 1, 2025.
  • The investiture ceremony was held on April 10, 2026.

The players

Jared Tice

The 18th president of Capital University, who shared his 'Capital Rising' vision for the university's future during his investiture ceremony.

Steve Bahls

The chair of Capital University's Board of Trustees, who praised Tice's commitment to justice, mercy, and humility in leading the university.

Ben Kessler

The mayor of Bexley, Ohio, who spoke about the challenges facing university presidents today, from preparing students for the future to being engines of civic engagement.

Sean Gorby

An associate professor of education representing Capital's faculty, who said Tice is the leader the university needs in this moment.

David Kaufman

The previous president of Capital University, who retired at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year after five years in the role.

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What they’re saying

“You are the leader we need in this moment.”

— Sean Gorby, Associate Professor of Education

“You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?'”

— George Bernard Shaw

“What rises high must also reach deep.”

— Jared Tice, President, Capital University

What’s next

Capital University will celebrate its 200th anniversary in the coming years, and Tice's 'Capital Rising' vision will guide the institution through this historic milestone.

The takeaway

Tice's investiture as Capital University's new president comes at a critical time for higher education, with funding challenges and questions about the value of a college degree. His 'Capital Rising' vision, rooted in five 'shared promises,' aims to preserve the university's rich history while also propelling it into the future, ensuring Capital remains a beacon of education, civic engagement, and community for decades to come.