HOUSTON -- Educators from all over the country, as well as state and city leaders, were part of Texas Southern University's inauguration ceremony of Dr. John Rudley on Friday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Rudley marks a new beginning for an institution plagued with scandal, poor academic performance and a low graduation rate.

The ceremony took place inside Sawyer Auditorium in front of students, faculty and staff. Rudley's wife and two sons prominently sat in the front row.

Rudley is Texas Southern's 11th president and has held numerous leadership positions in higher education.

But most recently, from June 2007 to January 2008, he served in the dual position of Interim UH System chancellor and Interim UH president.

"We're going to make sure we have a wholesome environment. We need to improve our whole university life," said Rudley.

Supporters said they are confident, with Rudley at the helm, good things are just ahead.

"This is a success. This is a day and an expression to the community that we are ready and we are excellent and we are an asset not only to Houston, but to Texas and the nation. This is a great day for Texas Southern University," said U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

Rudley said he has plans for change. Some are already being implemented, such as the end of open admission to the school.

This year's freshmen are either in the top 25 percent of their graduating class or have a 2.0 grade point average.

That's good news to current students.

"For one thing, we just won't have any students, and financial aid won't be wasted on people who will just blow it. It will be used for people dedicated to the programs and it will be more useful for everybody else," said TSU student Justin Washington.

Rudley replaces former TSU president Priscilla Slade, who faced criminal charges last year, accused of misspending hundreds of thousands of dollars. Her trial ended with a mistrial.

Rudley's inauguration dinner will be held Saturday night at the George R. Brown Convention Center.