Dr. John Bardo was formally inaugurated Friday as the 13th president of Wichita State University.

During his address, Bardo said being part of the city is of paramount importance to the future of WSU.  He also plans to build the first new student residence hall since the 1960s.

Bardo started his career at WSU as an assistant professor of sociology in 1978.  Most recently, he was chancellor of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.