SLIPPERY ROCK — Despite rain for several days before, the inauguration of Slippery Rock University’s new president this morning was a bright, mostly cloudless affair.

“The sun always shines in Slippery Rock,” said President Cheryl Norton.

Norton was hired in April by the State System of Higher Education board of governors. She started June 4, replacing Robert Smith, who retired in January.

Prior to this, she was the president of Southern Connecticut State University from 2004 to 2010.

The ceremony took place outdoors on SRU’s quad. A couple hundred people watched the event, including 35 officials representing other colleges and 27 SRU faculty members, as well as students and community members.

Norton said in her address that SRU has unlimited potential in the future.

“And what a future we have,” Norton said.

She said that there will be new challenges and opportunities. She said that it is important not to be satisfied with where SRU has been, but to see where it can go.

“For it will be by our students and our accomplishments that we are known,” Norton said. “Yes, Slippery Rock University is a public university working for the good of the public. These are values I embrace.”

Jace Condravy, past president of SRU’s Association of Pennsylvania State College and the SRU Faculties chapter, said that the union was seeking a decisive president.

“Faculty and coaches are not really looking for a sweet 16th ... what we need is a savvy 16th president,” Condravy said. “Dr. Norton gave us every indication that she will not disappoint us.”

Slippery Rock Mayor Ken Harris said that he expects SRU to “thrive and prosper” under Norton. He said that it was members of the community who came together to found SRU, and that spirit continues today.

“Community means a shared response to the opportunity and challenges that hold us in this common and lovely setting,” Harris said.

The inauguration ceremony was followed by a picnic.